Vaal University of Technology General Prospectus · Although the information contained in this General Prospectus has been compiled as accurately as possible, ... satellite campuses

www.vut.ac.za

Vaal University of Technology

General Prospectus

First published 2009

Second ed ition 2010

Third ed ition 2012

Fourth ed ition 2013

Copies of the Facult y Prospectus are obtainable from:

The Registrar

Office: B004

Tel.: +27 (16) 950 9175

Fax.: +27 (16) 950 9775

NB:

Although the information contained in this General Prospectus has been compiled as accurately as possible,

the Council and the Senate of the Vaal University of Technology accept no responsibility for any errors or

omissions.

Vaal University of Technology

Vanderbijlpark Campus

Private Bag X021

Vanderbijlpark

1900

Tel.: +27 (16) 950 9000

Fax.: +27 (16) 950 9999

Educity Campus

Private Bag X021

Vanderbijlpark

1900

Tel.: +27 (16) 930 5028

Fax.: +27 (16) 930 5064

Secunda Campus

P O Box 3595

Secunda

2302

Tel.: +27 (17) 631 1990/ 1971

Fax.: +27 (17) 631 2328

Ekurhuleni Campus

P O Box 4901

Kemptonpark

1620

Tel.: +27 (11) 929 7400

Fax.: +27 (11) 392 1249

Upington Campus

P O Box 2468

Upington

8800

Tel.: +27 (54) 332 3304

Fax.: +27 (54) 332 3634

Kindly Note: Your student number should appear on all correspondence

and be d irected to the Office of the Registrar.

General Prospectus

3

Index

1. A Brief Look at the VUT from 1966 to 2010 ................................................... 4 2. Enrolments and Graduates ............................................................................ 7 3. Vision and Mission Statement ....................................................................... 8 4. Committee Calendar 2013 ............................................................................. 9 5. Academic Calendar 2013.............................................................................. 10 6. Public Holidays ........................................................................................... 14 7. Governance Committees .............................................................................. 15 7.1 Council ........................................................................................................ 15 7.2 Senate .......................................................................................................... 15 7.3 Institutional Forum ...................................................................................... 17 8. Governance Sub-Committees & Management Committees ......................... 18 8.1 Committees of Council ................................................................................ 18 8.2 Committees of Senate .................................................................................. 18 8.3 Management Committees of the VUT ......................................................... 24 9. Student Representative Council ................................................................... 27 10. Rectorate and Secretarial Staff .................................................................... 28 11. Academic Staff & Administrators ............................................................... 30 12. Non-Academic Senior Management & Administrators ............................... 35 13. Policies and Regulations .............................................................................. 37 13.1 General Academic Rules .............................................................................. 37 13.2 Admissions Policy ....................................................................................... 55 13.3 Policy on Academic Probation, Withdrawal From & Deferment of Stud ies . 71 13.4 Procedure Regard ing Continuation of Stud ies ............................................. 75 13.5 Assessments Regulations ............................................................................ 79 13.6 Code of Student Conduct and Jud iciaries ................................................. 109 13.7 Library Services Regulations ...................................................................... 128

General Prospectus

4

1. A Brief Look at the VUT from 1966 to 2010

1966 : The Vaal Triangle College for Advanced Technical Education

opens its doors to the community, with Mr C A J Bornman

appointed as the first Principal. The College boasts 189

engineering students, 15 members of staff and hostel

accommodation for 60 stu d ents.

1971 : Dr Isak Steyl is appointed as Director of the Institu tion .

1975 : The construction of new build ings commences, provid ing

students w ith a new library, gymnasium, laboratories, lecture

halls and a new wing for the Department of Commerce and

Management. The College is thus enabled to double its

student intake and expand the curriculum .

1978 : Student enrolment reaches the 3 000 mark. Staff now totals

137.

1979 : Colleges are renamed Technikons in accordance with the

Advanced Technical Amendment Act.

1981 : The Vaal Triangle Technikon continues to expand . An

additional hostel opens its doors and hosts 140 more students.

Vesco donates a further 22 hectares to the Institution to

accommodate the massive build ing expansions approved by

the Department of Education. Courses in Microbiology and

Paramedical Sciences are offered for the first time.

1984 : The first Laureatus (equivalent to PhD) students register, and

during the same year a Department of Educational Technology

is established .

1986 : The Gold Fields Library is completed and finally the

Technikon boasts a library which satisfies the needs of existing

students and staff.

1987 : The Vaal Triangle Technikon establishes a satellite campus at

Secunda, offering part-time classes only. Build ing commences

on new facilities at the main campus for the School of Art and

Design. Student numbers reach 6 000.

1994 : The Vaal Triangle Technikon establishes a new satellite

campus at Klerksdorp. Approval is given to the Technikon to

offer degree courses and the first enrolments are accep ted .

General Prospectus

5

1995 : The Vaal Triangle Technikon establishes two additiona l

satellite campuses at Upington called the Northern Cape

Satellite Campus, and at Kempton Park, called the Ekurhuleni

Satellite Campus.

1996 : Prof AT Mokadi joins the Vaal Triangle Technikon as Vice-

Chancellor and Rector. Faculties replace the former schools

and d irectors become deans. The first Masters Degree –

Magister Technologiae in Electrical Engineering is awarded .

Tokyo Sexwale is elected as the fir st Chancellor of the Vaal

Triangle Technikon.

1998 : The 14 500 student mark is reached , reflecting the

demographics of South African society. Black student

enrolment rises to 63,4%. All d iscip lines offer degree courses

which can be pursued from bachelors to doctorate level. The

Gold Fields Found ation‟s Administration Manager officially

opens the Gold Field s Library‟s Electronic Classroom .

1999 : The new language policy, with English as the official language,

comes into operation. The first Doctorates are awarded in the

Facu lty of Applied and Computer Sciences and the Faculty of

Management Sciences. On 30 April the Vaal Triangle

Technikon opens its high-voltage laboratory, making it a

leader in the field of electrical engineering, w ith the capacity to

serve the power cable research needs of the entire South

Africa.

2001 : A Technology Station for Composite Materials is established to

assist the composite industry in product development and the

use of state-of-the-art technology.

2002 : A Department of Technology Planning and Development is

established to spearhead the d rive to make greater use of

technology. Our champion athletes Chris Harmse won a gold

medal at the African Champions in Tunisia and Mbulaeni

Mulaud zi won a gold med al at the Commonwealth games in

Manchester. Mbulaeni was the first black South African ever

to win a gold medal at these championships and the first South

African to win a gold medal in the track events in the past 44

years. On 6 September the first ever Honorary Doctorate is

awarded to Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu , and the

General Prospectus

6

unveiling of the hall, henceforth to be known as the Desmond

Tutu Great Hall.

2003 : The Desmond Tutu Lecture Series is instituted . The inaugural

address is given by Jud ge Albie Sachs of the Constitutional

Court. The second address in the series is presented by Clem

Sunter, Chairman of the Anglo American Chairman‟s Fund .

The academic re-d irection of the institution towards becoming

a university of technology begins.

2004 : Vaal Triangle Technikon officially becomes the “VAAL

UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY”. The university takes

occupation of the previous Vista Campus at Sebokeng,

renaming it “Ed ucity” in the process.

2005 : Registrations pass the 17 000 mark for the first time.

2006 : VUT celebrates its 40th anniversary. A new academic structure

is introduced to provide for the final transition of VUT from its

former technikon structure to a university of technology

structure under the banner: Transformation II – from

Technikon to University. VUT awarded Honorary Doctorates

to the following recipients: An Extraord inary Professorship to

Prof Martin Hinoul (Business Development: K U Leuven

Research & Development), Legal Stud ies to Dr Adv Pansy

Tlakula (CEO: Electoral Commission of SA (IEC), Sport

Management to Dr Molefi Oliphant (SAFA).

2007 : VUT appoints its first female Vice-Chancellor and Principal,

Prof Irene Moutlana.

2008 : VUT awarded Honorary Doctorates to the following

recipients: Applied Sciences to Dr Mosibudi Mangena

(Minister of Sciences and Technology), Law to Dr Adv IA

Semenya (Pitje Chambers – Fabcos House), Fine Arts to

Dr DN Koloane (Director: Fordsburg Artists‟ Stud io),

Humanities to Dr Sipho M Pityana (Executive Chairperson

Izingwe Hold ings (Pty) Ltd), Law to Dr Adv G Bizos SC

(Senior Advocate Chairperson Legal Resources Centre),

Humanities to Dr Archbishop WHN Ndungane (Former

Anglican Archbishop) Historic School Restoration Project and

African Monitor.

General Prospectus

7

2. Enrolments and Graduates

Enrolments

VUT Student Numbers 2008 2009 2010 2011

Undergraduate 16 713 19 020 21 047 21 468

Postgraduate 207 203 186 207

Students in Major Study Fields 2008 2009 2010 2011

Science, Engineering, Technology 8 971 10 367 10 895 11 431

Business/ Management 6 790 7 710 8 780 8 535

Education 152 147 48 3

Other Humanities 1 034 1 183 1 693 1 892

Graduates

Graduates at VUT 2008 2009 2010 2011

Undergraduate 2 410 3 169 3 092 3 582

Postgraduate 547 30 24 59

Graduates in Major Study Fields 2008 2009 2010 2011

Science, Engineering, Technology 1 270 1 385 1 307 1 502

Business/ Management 1 474 1 559 1 583 1 878

Education 2 90 40 38

Other Humanities 231 165 186 258

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

- Nelson Mandela

General Prospectus

8

3. Vision and Mission Statement

General Prospectus

9

4. Committee Calendar 2013

General Prospectus

10

5. Academic Calendar 2013

Study Guides for S1 & S2 print ready : 16 November 2012

First Semester

TERM 1: 02 January to 20 March (Schools 09 January to 20 March)

Public Holiday : 01 January

Finalisation & Publication of 2nd

Opportunity Results : 02 – 12 January

Registration: Confirmed Early Applications : 11 January

Registration: Conditionally Accepted Early Applicants : 14 – 15 January

Late Applications & Registrations : 16 – 18 January

Finalisation of Academic Appeals & All Pre-registration Queries : 14 – 18 January

Registration Seniors

Faculty of Engineering & Technology : 21, 22 & 28 January

Faculty of Management Sciences : 23, 24 & 30 January

Faculty of Applied & Computer Sciences : 25, 26 & 29 January

Faculty of Human Sciences : 25, 26 & 29 January

Faculties Overflow : 31 January

Test Week: NBT & Psychometric : 21 – 26 January

Orientation Week : 28 – 31 January

Registration Closes for All Students : 01 February

Classes Commence All Students : 04 February

Academic Opening : 08 February

CASS Evaluations Commence : 11 February

Closing Date: Addition of Subjects : 25 February

Closing Date: Cancellation of Subjects : 08 March

Public Holiday : 21 March

VUT Holiday : 22 March

Public Holiday : 29 March

General Prospectus

11

TERM 2: 02 April to 21 June (Schools 09 April to 21 June)

Public Holiday : 01 April

Classes Commence : 02 April

Closing date for submission of 1st & 2

nd Opportunity Exam Papers : 12 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Engineering : 15 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Applied & Computer

Sciences

: 16 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Human Sciences : 17 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Management Sciences : 18 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Management Sciences : 19 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Delivery Sites – Secunda : 23 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Delivery Sites – Ekurhuleni : 24 April

Graduation Ceremonies: Delivery Sites – Upington : 25 April

Public Holiday : 27 April

Public Holiday : 01 May

Publication of Year-Marks : 10 May

Communication Examination : 11 May

Examination – 1st Opportunity : 18 May to 01 June

Addition / Cancellation Closing Date for Year Courses : 03 June

Finalisation & Publication of 1st Opportunity Results : 03 June – 07 June

Completion of CASS Marks: All Faculties : 14 June

Examination – 2nd

Opportunity : 12 June – 22 June

Public Holiday : 16 June

Public Holiday : 17 June

Second Semester

TERM 3: 08 July to 20 September (Schools 15 July to 20 September)

Finalisation & Publication of 2nd

Opportunity Results : 08 – 12 July

Registration: Confirmed Early Applications : 12 July

Registration: Conditionally Accepted Early Applications : 15 – 16 July

General Prospectus

12

Late Applications & Registrations : 17 – 19 July

Finalisation of Academic Appeals & All Pre-Registrations Queries : 15 – 19 July

Registration Seniors

Faculty of Engineering & Technology : 22 – 23 July

Faculty of Applied & Computer Sciences : 24 – 25 July

Faculties Overflow : 26 July

Test Week: NBT & Psychometric : 22 – 24 July

Orientation Week : 25 – 26 July

Classes Commence All Students : 29 July

Registration Closes for All Students : 30 July

Public Holiday : 9 August

CASS Evaluations Commence : 12 August

Closing Date: Addition of Subjects : 16 August

Closing Date: Cancellation of Subjects : 30 August

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Engineering : 09 September

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Applied & Computer

Sciences

: 10 September

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Human Sciences : 11 September

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Management Sciences : 12 September

Graduation Ceremonies: Main Campus – Management Sciences : 13 September

VUT Holiday : 23 September

Public Holiday : 24 September

TERM 4: 01 October to 13 December (Schools 01 October to 04 December)

Classes Commence : 01 October

Closing date for submission of 1st & 2

nd Opportunity Exam Papers : 04 October

Publication of Year Marks : 25 October

Communication Examination : 26 October

Examination – 1st Opportunity : 02 – 16 November

Finalisation & Publication of 1st Opportunity Results : 18 – 22 November

General Prospectus

13

Examinations – 2

nd Opportunity : 30 November to

12 December

Completion of CASS Marks: All Faculties : 03 December

Public Holiday : 16 December



Remarks:

1. Academic Staff report for duty on: Semester 1: 07 January

Semester 2: 10 July

2. Total Contact weeks per semester: Semester 1: 13 ½ Weeks

Semester 2: 12 ½ Weeks

General Prospectus

14

6. Public Holidays

01 January New Years Day

21 March Human Rights Day

22 March VUT Holid ay

29 March Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sund ay)

01 April Family Day (Mond ay after Easter Sund ay)

27 April Freedom Day

1 May Workers Day

16 June Youth Day

17 June Public Holid ay

9 August National Women‟s Day

23 September VUT Holid ay Day

24 September Heritage Day

16 December Day of Reconciliation

25 December Christmas Day

26 December Day of Goodwill

General Prospectus

15

7. Governance Committees

7.1 Council

The Council, constituted in terms of Section 27(4) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101

of 1997), at the time compilation of this Prospectus the Administrator, Prof P FitzGerald

fulfilled the roll of Council.

7.2 Senate

The Senate, constituted in accordance with Section 28(2) of the Higher Education Act, 1997

(Act 101 of 1997), consists of:

Members

Moutlana, IN (Prof) (Chairperson)

Louw, HA (Prof) (Deputy Chairperson)

Mokoena, TD (Dr) (Secretary)

Alugongo, A (Prof)

Aoyi, O (Prof)

Badenhorst, LA (Mr)

Badenhorst, P (Mr)

Brits, HJ (Dr)

Campbell, HM (Prof)

De Beer, D (Prof)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Dicks, DA (Prof)

Dicks, EG (Prof)

Dikio, E (Prof)

Du Plooy, GS (Mr)

Fouché, CE (Ms)

Gaede, RJ (Prof)

Goniwe, T (Prof)

Johnson, BJ (Dr)

Joubert, DJ (Dr)

Joubert, PA (Dr)

Joubert, T (Ms)

Kungune, VGF (Mr)

Lombard , A (Ms)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Vice-Chancellor & Principal

DVC: Academic & Research

Registrar

HoD: Mechanical Engineering

Professor: Chemical Engineering

HOD: Process Control & Computer Systems

Campus Principal: Upington

Director: Total Quality

HOD: Industrial Eng & Operations

Executive Director: TT & I

Executive Dean: Management Sciences

Professor: Electrical Engineering

Associate Professor: Hospitality

Associate Professor: Chemistry

Senior Director: Curriculum Development

HOD: Communication & Education

Associate Professor – Visual Arts & Design

Associate Professor – Visual Arts & Design

Executive Director: Research

HOD: Legal Sciences

HOD: Human Resource Management

HOD: Power Engineering

Deputy Registrar: Examinations & Graduations

HOD: Information & Communication Technology

Executive Dean: Applied & Computer Sciences

General Prospectus

16

Machika, P (Dr)

Malaza, ED (Prof)

Martin, R (Dr)

Masu, LM (Prof)

Mendonid is, P (Prof) (Acting)

Modise, SJ (Prof)

Mokoena, BA (Mr) (Acting)

Möller, A (Dr)

Moloi, KC (Prof)

Moloto, MJ (Prof)

Naidoo, EB (Prof)

Ndege, M (Prof)

Ngirane-Katashya, G (Prof)

Nicolaides, A (Prof)

Oldewage-Theron, WH (Prof)

Omara-Ujungu, PH (Prof)

Osifo, PO (Dr)

Padayachee, T (Prof)

Pienaar van Z, HC (Prof)

Pienaar van Z, WJ (Mr)

Pillay, M (Prof)

Pinkoane, M (Prof)

Pooe, RID (Dr)

Roberts, N (Ms)

Salim, W (Dr) (Acting)

Seroka, S (Dr)

Setlhare, LM (Mr)

Sikakana, IQ (Dr)

Smit, JJAC (Dr)

Sooful, A (Ms) (Acting)

Surujlal, J (Prof)

Vacant

Vacant

Vacant

Vacant

Van der Bank, CM (Prof)

Winter, B (Mr) (Acting)

Executive Director: Centre for Academic

Development

Executive Director: Institutional Planning

Campus Principal: Secunda

Research Professor: Engineering

HOD: Metallurgical Engineering

Director: Institute of Chemistry & Biotechnology

HOD: Marketing & Sports Management

HOD: Accountancy

Associate Professor: Communication & Education

Associate Professor: Chemistry

HOD: Chemistry

Executive Dean: Engineering & Technology

Associate Professor: Civil Engineering

HOD: Hospitality, Tourism & PR Management

Director: Centre of Sustainable Livelihoods

Campus Principal: Ekurhuleni

HOD: Chemical Engineering

HOD: Biosciences

Director: Electronic Engineering

HOD: Electronic Engineering

Professor: Biosciences

Associate Professor: Biosciences

HOD: Logistics

Senior Director: Library & Information Services

HoD: Civil Engineering

Executive Director: Student Support Services

SRC: President

HOD: NDT & Physics

Director: Curriculum Development

HOD: Visual Arts & Design

Research Professor: Management Sciences

Council Representative

Council Representative

Director: Co-operative Education

DVC: Resources & Planning

Executive Dean: Human Sciences

HOD: Software Studies

General Prospectus

17

Zide, GN (Prof)

Zimba, K (Dr)

DVC: Governance & Operations

HOD: Mathematics

7.3 Institutional Forum

The Institutional Forum, constituted in accordance with Section 28(2) of the Higher Education

Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997), at the time compilation of this Prospectus the Administrator, Prof

P FitzGerald fulfilled the roll of Council.

General Prospectus

18

8. Governance Sub-Committees & Management Committees

8.1 Committees of Council

The Council, constituted in terms of Section 27(4) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101

of 1997), at the time compilation of this Prospectus the Administrator, Prof P FitzGerald

fulfilled the roll of Council.

8.2 Committees of Senate

The Vice-Chancellor is an Ex-Officio member of all Committees of Senate

Higher Degrees Committee Members

Louw, HA (Prof) (Chairperson)

De Beer, D (Prof)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Fouché, C (Ms)

Johnson, BJ (Dr)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Masu, LM (Prof)

Mokoena, TD (Dr)

Ndege, M (Prof)

Nelana, S (Dr)


Surujlal, J (Prof)





Chairperson: Faculty Research Committee



Chairperson: Faculty Research Committee

Registrar


Chairperson: Faculty Research

HoD: Biomedical Technology

Chairperson: Faculty Research


Senex Members



De Beer, D (Prof)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Johnson, B (Dr)

Louw, HA (Prof)


Registrar





General Prospectus

19

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Ndege, M (Prof)

Vacant


Zide, GN (Prof)






Senate Library Committee Members


Roberts, N (Ms) (Deputy Chairperson)

Badenhorst, PJ (Mr)

Brits, H (Dr)

Johnson, BJ (Dr)

Martin, R (Mr)

Mofokeng, GL (Mr)

Omara-Ojungu, PH (Prof)

Ramasodi, D (Mr)

Representative

Representative



Campus Director: Upington

Director: Quality Promotion


Campus Director: Secunda

Senior Deputy Registrar: Academic

Administration

Campus Director: Ekurhuleni

Executive Director: IT Services

2 Representatives per Faculty

2 SRC Representatives

Senate Learner Support Committee Members


Zide, GN (Prof) (Deputy Chairperson)

Badenhorst, PJ (Mr)

Fouché, C (Ms)

Hendrich, U (Dr)

Heuer, E (Ms)

Joubert, T (Ms)

Kungune, VGF (Mr)

Lombard , A (Ms)

Martin, R (Dr)


DVC: Governance & Support


HoD: Communication & Education

Snr Counsellor: Counselling Department

Director: Learner Support

HoD: Power Engineering

Deputy Registrar: Examinations

HoD: ICT


General Prospectus

20

Machika, P (Dr)


Mokoena, TD (Dr)

Naidoo, EB (Prof)

Naidu, Y (Mr)


Ramasodi, D (Mr)

Rathbone, L (Ms)

Roberts, N (Ms)

Representative

Representative

Seroka, S (Dr)

Sidwaba, P (Ms)

Smit, JJAC (Dr)


Executive Director: Centre of Academic

Development

HoD: Metallurgical Engineering

Registrar

HoD: Chemistry

Acting Coord inator: IPU



Counsellor: Counselling Department


Institutional Development

4 SRC Representatives


HOD: Student Counselling


HoD: Visual Arts & Design

Honorary Degree Committee Members


Van der Bank, CM (Prof) (Deputy

Chairperson)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Joubert, MJ (Mr)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Mendonid is, P (Prof)

Modise, SJ (Prof)

Mohlokoane, S (Mr)

Mokoena, TD (Dr)

Ndege, M (Prof)

Representative

Vacant

Zide, GN (Prof)



Faculty of Management Sciences

Nteu

Faculty of Applied & Computer Sciences

Research Professor

Institutional Forum

Nehawu

Registrar

Faculty of Engineering & Technology

1 SRC Representative

Council


General Prospectus

21

Quality Promotion Committee Members


Brits, H (Dr) (Deputy Chairperson)

Dicks, D (Prof)

Du Plooy, G (Mr)

Kearney, J (Dr)

Kundasami, R (Mr)

Kungune, VGF (Mr)

Lombard , A (Ms)

Maneschijn, D (Ms)

Moutlana, IN (Prof



Smit, JJAC (Dr)

Surujlal, J (Prof)

Sutherlands, T (Dr)

Vacant

Viljoen, JS (Dr)



Director: Engineering & Technology

Director: Community Engagement & RPL

Senior Lecturer: Hospitality, Tourism & PR

Manager: Quality Promotion Unit


HoD: ICT

Academic & Student Affairs: Ekurhuleni


HoD: Hospitality, Tourism & PR



Research Professor: Management Sciences

Manager: Unit for Preparatory Programmes

Director: Cooperative Education

Academic Head: Secunda

General Prospectus

22

Curriculum Committee Members

Smit, JJAC (Dr) (Chairperson)

Brits, H (Dr)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Dikio, E (Prof)

Evangelou, O (Ms)

Fouché, C (Ms)

Johnson, BJ (Dr)

Joubert, DJ (Dr)

Joubert, PA (Mr)

Louw, HA (Prof)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)


Moloi, KC (Prof)

Ndege, M (Prof)



Salim, W (Dr) (Acting)



Van Eck, R (Ms)

Vacant

Venter, D (Mr)




Senior Lecturer: Chemistry

Associate Director: Curriculum Development

HoD: Communication & Education

Executive Director: Research Management

HoD: Legal Sciences

HoD: Human Resource Management



HoD: Metallurgical Engineering

Professor of Education & Research


HoD: Hospitality, Tourism & PR Management

HoD: Bioscience

HoD: Civil Engineering & Build ing

HoD: Visual Arts & Design


Senior Lecturer: Biosciences

Director: Co-operative Education

Lecturer: Hospitality & Tourism

Research Ethics Committee Members

Johnson, BJ (Dr) (Chairperson)

Representatives

Representatives

Representatives

Representatives


Scientists or Researchers

Person(s) with Competence in Law

Person(s) with Competence in Research Ethics

Lay Person(s)

General Prospectus

23

Examination Committee Members


Mokoena, TD (Dr) (Deputy Chairperson)

Badenhorst, PJ (Mr)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Kungune, VGF (Mr)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Martin, R (Dr)

Ndege, M (Prof)




Registrar









Inter-Faculty Forum Members


Badenhorst, PJ (Mr)

De Beer, D (Prof)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Johnson, BJ (Dr)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Martin, R (Dr)

Mokoena, TD (Dr)

Ndege, M (Prof)


Ramasodi, D (Mr)

Roberts, N (Ms)


Vacant

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative








Registrar






Executive Director: Centre for Quality & Learn.





General Prospectus

24

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative

Representative





Faculty of Human Sciences








8.3 Management Committees of the VUT

Rectorate Committee Members


Louw, HA (Prof)

Mkuchane, TE (Mr)

Mokoena, TD (Dr)


Phatudi, CSM (Ms)

Seroka, S (Dr)

Tsieane, FD (Mr)

Vacant

van der Bank, CM (Prof)

Zide, GN (Prof)

Zingitwa, P (Mr)

Vice-Chancellor & Principal *

DVC: Academic & Research *

Executive Director: Office of the VC & Principal

Registrar


Executive Director: Human Resources


Executive Director: Finance

DVC: Resources & Planning *

Executive Dean: Faculty of Human Sciences

DVC: Governance & Operations *

Executive Director: Operations & Logistics

*Statutory Members of Rectorate

General Prospectus

25

Executive Management Committee Members



Badenhorst, PJ (Mr)

De Beer, D (Prof)

Dhurup, M (Prof)

Johnson, B (Dr)

Kempen, AJ (Dr)

Khuboni, MB (Mr)

Louw, HA (Prof)

Mabuza, BR (Prof)

Machika, P (Dr)

Malaza, D (Prof)

Mkuchane, TE (Mr)

Ndege, M (Prof

Phatudi, CSM (Ms)

Omara-Ujungu, PH (Prof)

Ramasodi, D (Mr)

Robert, N (Ms)

Seroka, S (Dr)

Tsieane, FD (Mr)

van der Bank, CM (Prof)

Martin, R (Dr)

Wiseman, J (Mr)

Vacant

Zide, GN (Prof)

Zingitwa, P (Mr)


Registrar




Executive Director: Research Management

Executive Director: Institutional Initiative &

Fund Raising

Executive Director: Corporate Affairs



Executive Director: Centre of Academic

Development

Senior Director: Institu tional Planning

Executive Director: Office of the VC & Principal


Executive Director: Human Resources





Executive Director: Finance

Executive Dean: Faculty of Human Sciences

Campus Administrator: Secunda

Executive Director: International Relations &

Advancement



Executive Director: Operations & Logistics

General Prospectus

26

Ethics Committee Members

Zide, GN (Prof) (Chairperson)

Modise, SJ (Prof)

Mokoena, TD (Dr)



Institute of Chemistry & Biotechnology

Registrar


General Prospectus

27

9. Student Representative Council

Members

Setlhare, LM (Mr)

Seganeo, OW (Ms)

Mpaku, ML (Ms)

Sekonyela, ME (Ms)

Jentile, V (Ms)

Beya, WA (Mr)

Zulu, PM (Mr)

Mokhosi, MF (Ms)

Ramatapa, HT (Mr)

Rasimeni, NE (Ms)

Nkomo, N (Mr)

Mazibuko, MA (Mr)

Lesane, OG (Mr)

Modike, TR (Mr)

Matsheng, P (Mr)

Zitha, TT (Mr)

President

Deputy President

Secretary General

Deputy Secretary

Treasurer General

Academic Officer

Legal & Transformation Officer

Religious & Culture Officer

Sports Officer

Gender Officer

Entertainment Officer

Housing & Catering Officer





General Prospectus

28

10. Rectorate and Secretarial Staff

Prof IN Moutlana Vice-Chancellor & Principal

DEd (Harvard University, USA)

Ms GM Secwalo Executive Secretary

Ms M Sanders Executive Secretary

Prof HA Louw Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Academic & Research

PhD: Sociology (Vista)

Ms R Dippenaar Executive Secretary

Vacant Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Resources & Planning

Ms AM Jacobs Executive Secretary

Ms N Mbatha Administrator

Prof GN Zide Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Governance &

Operations

D Phil (UPE)

Ms S Sayed Executive Secretary

Dr TD Mokoena Registrar

PhD: Economics (PU for CHE)

Ms SA Henning Administrator

Mr TE Mkuchane Executive Director: Office of the VC & Principal

Ms CSM Phatudi Executive Director: Human Resources

Ms T Martins Administrator

Mr P Zingitwa Executive Director: Operations & Logistics

MSc: Engineering (Wits)

Ms E Heiberg Administrator

General Prospectus

29

Dr S Seroka Executive Director: Student Support Services

DEd

Ms M Tsosane Administrator

Mr FD Tsieane Executive Director: Finance

BCom (Hons) Accounting (University of the

North)

Ms R Duvenage Administrator

Prof CM van der Bank Executive Dean: Human Sciences

LLD

Ms PM van der Walt Administrator

Prof PH Omara-Ojungu Campus Director: Ekurhuleni

Ms J Hector Administrator

General Prospectus

30

11. Academic Staff & Administrators


Prof BR Mabuza Executive Dean: Applied & Computer Sciences

PhD: Physics

Ms JF de Villiers Administrator

Prof EB Naidoo Head of Department: Chemistry

PhD: Chemistry

Ms M Henning Administrator

Prof T Paddayachee Head of Department: Biosciences

DTech

Ms M Henning Administrator

Ms A Lombard Head of Department: ICT & OMT

MTech: IT

Ms E Terblanche Administrator

Dr K Zimba Head of Department: Mathematics

PhD

Ms GR Mokoena Administrator

Dr IQ Sikakana Head of Department: Physics & NDT

PhD: Physics (WITS)

Ms GR Mokoena Administrator

Mr B Winter Head of Department: Software Studies &

Computer End Using

BSc

General Prospectus

31


Prof M Ndege Executive Dean: Engineering & Technology

Ms L van Heerden Administrator

Prof DA Dicks Director:EDSU

DTech

Mr LA Badenhorst Head of Department: Process Control &

Computer Systems

MDip Tech

Dr HM Campbell Head of Department: Industrial Engineering &

Operations Management

DBL

Ms SM van Zyl Administrator

Prof AA Alugongo (Act ing) Head of Department: Mechanical Engineering

PhD

Ms SM van Zyl Administrator

Vacant Head of Department: Metallurgical Engineering

Ms T Joubert Head of Department: Power Engineering

(Acting)

MTech

Ms R Kloppers Administrator

Dr W Salim (Act ing) Head of Department: Civil Engineering &

Building

PhD

Ms P Buang Administrator

General Prospectus

32

Mr PO Osifo Head of Department: Chemical Engineering

PhD

Ms D Nake Administrator

Mr W J v Z Pienaar Head of Department: Electronic Engineering

BTech

Ms D Nake Administrator

General Prospectus

33


Prof CM van der Bank Executive Dean: Human Sciences

LLD

Ms PM van der Walt Administrator

Ms CE Fouché Head of Department: Communication &

Education

Mphil

Ms P Lephalala Administrator

Dr DJ Joubert Head of Department: Legal Sciences

LLD

Ms M van der Westhuizen Administrator

Prof A Nicolaides Head of Department: Hospitality, Tourism &

Public Relations Management

DPhil (UNIZUL)

Ms P Gwebu Administrator

Ms A Sooful (Acting) Head of Department: Visual Arts & Design

MA (FA)

Ms JKS Shibambo Administrator

General Prospectus

34


Prof M Dhurup Executive Dean: Management Sciences

PhD (NWU)

Ms FA van Straten Administrator

Mr BA Mokoena (Acting) Head of Department: Marketing & Sport

Management

MCom

Ms KTQ Mofoka (Acting) Administrator

Dr PA Joubert Head of Department: Human Resource

Management

PhD

Ms R Moolman Administrator

Dr RID Pooe Head of Department: Logistics

PhD

Ms EC Leemisa Administrator

Mr A Möller Head of Department: Accountancy

PhD (NWU)

Vacant Administrator

General Prospectus

35

12. Non-Academic Senior Management & Administrators

Mr GS Du Plooy Director: Community Engagement

MEd

Ms S Bezuidenhout Administrator

Ms N Roberts Senior Director: Library & Information Services

Ms M Sandase Administrator

Vacant Director: Student Accommodation & Catering

Ms Q Tsubele Administrator

Phatudi, CSM (Ms) Executive Director: Human Resources

Ms T Martins Administrator

Dr AJ Kempen Executive Director: Institutional Initiative &

Fund Raising

PhD

Ms G Galeta Administrator

Vacant Director: Cooperative Education

Ms L Dreyer Administrator

Dr TD Mokoena Registrar

PhD: Economics (PU for CHE)

Ms SA Henning Administrator

Mr GL Mofokeng Senior Deputy Registrar: Academic

Administration

MA

Ms M van der Westhuizen Administrator

Mr W Jack Executive Director: International Relations &

Advancement

General Prospectus

36

Ms V Bradbury Administrator

Mr D Ramasodi Executive Director: IT Services

BSc: Computer Science & Maths (WITS)

Ms F Ramafothole Administrator

Mr P Zingitwa Executive Director: Operations & Logistics

MSc: Engineering (Wits)

Ms E Heiberg Administrator

Dr S Seroka Executive Director: Student Support Services

DEd

Ms M Tsosane Administrator

Mr AE Strauss HOD: Student Recruitment

MEd (PU for CHE)

Ms E McLeod Administrator

Mr FD Tsieane Executive Director: Finance

BCom (Hons) Accounting (University of the

North)

Ms R Duvenage Administrator

Mr J Zeni HOD: Protection Services

Ms D Mkwebane Administrator

General Prospectus

37

13. Policies and Regulations

13.1 General Academic Rules

GENERAL ACADEMIC RULES FOR DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND

CERTIFICATES

(These Rules have been approved by the Senate in terms of the Higher Education

Act (Act No. 101 of 1997), as amended , as well as the Statutes of the Vaal Unive rsity

of Technology, and are contained in the various policies, manuals and procedures

obtainable from the Office of the Registrar: Academic Support)

PREAMBLE:

(a) The Senate may from time to time amend, alter or delete any rule, whether

a General Rule or a rule relating to a specific module, course or

qualification.

(b) The provisions of these Rules, as applied in particular faculties, may be

restricted in circumstances provided for in the rules of those faculties as

approved under Rule G4.

(c) Except as otherwise stated or prescribed by the Senate and the Council,

Rules G1 to G33 shall be applicable to every student of the Vaal

University of Technology (hereinafter referred to as “the University”).

GENERAL RULES

G1 Changes in rules

The University may revise, rescind or add to its rules from time to time, and any

such alteration, deletion or add ition shall become bind ing upon the date of

publication or upon such date as may be specified by the Senate, provided that no

change in rules shall be interpreted so as to operate retrospectively to the prejud ice

of any currently registered student.

G2 Degrees, diplomas and certificates

The University may confer or award such degrees, d iplomas and certificates as

approved by the Senate and the Council. The list of degrees, d iplomas and

certificates is available from the Office of the Registrar: Academic Support on

request. Rules for specific qualifications will be found in the relevant Faculty

handbooks.

General Prospectus

38

G3 Approval of curricula

The Council, upon the approval of the Senate after consultation with the relevant

Faculty Boards, shall approve the curricula for all qualifications of the University.

G4 Faculty rules

Subject to the provisions of the Higher Education Act, the Statutes of the

University, and the following Rules, the Council may, upon the approval of the

Senate, make or amend rules for each faculty relating to:

a) the eligibility of a student as a candidate for any qualification and / or

module, which may include Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL);

b) the selection process;

c) the period of attendance;

d ) the curriculum, work and other requirements for each qualification;

e) progression and academic exclusion; and

f) any other matter relating to the academic functions of th e University.

G5 Application to study

a) Applications to study must be made in such manner as prescribed , and

must include presentation of the Matriculation Certificate / National Senior

Certificate where this is required .

b) An applicant who has stud ied at any other tertiary education institution

must, in addition, present an academic record and a certificate of conduct

from that institution, together with the application.

G6 Selection requirements

All applicants shall produce evidence satisfactory to the University of their

competence to work for the qualification sought. The University may decline to

admit a candidate for a qualification if the candidate‟s previous academic

attainments are, in its opinion, not sufficiently high to warrant such admission.

G7 Selection for postgraduate studies

a) Graduates of any other recognised university (whether in the Republic of

South Africa or elsewhere) may, for the purpose of proceeding to a

postgraduate qualification in any faculty of the University, be admitted by

the Senate to a status in the University equivalent to that which they possess

in their own university by virtue of any degree held by them.

General Prospectus

39

b) An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who

has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the

opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate stud ies or

research, may be admitted as a student in any faculty of the University.

G8 Exemption from a module / course

Exemption from a module / course may be granted and cred it may be awarded for

a relevant module where an applicant has already obtained cred it for an

equivalent module or can demonstrate an equivalent level of competence

through prior learning.

G9 Registration

a) In order to pursue their stud ies in any semester, all students of the

University shall complete the applicable registration procedure, thereby

affirming their acceptance of the rules of the University.

b) The Senate may impose conditions for the registration of any student.

c) On application to the relevant Faculty Office, and with the approval of the

Senate, a student‟s registration may be suspended for a specified period of

time. Such student remains subject to the rules of the University, and may

return to register before or at expiry of the period of suspension. The period

during which registration is suspended shall not be included in

any calculation towards the minimum and maximum periods pr escribed for

any qualification in terms of Rule G12, nor for the evaluation of eligibility for

the award of degrees cum laude or magna cum laude in terms of Rules, BT8

and MT17.

G10 Payment of fees

a) Save by special permission of the Senate and the Council:

(i) An applicant shall not be registered until the minimum prescribed

fees are paid ;

(ii) A student shall not be entitled to admission to an examination, nor to

receipt of examination results, until all relevant prescribed fees are

paid .

b) A student shall not be entitled to the conferral or award of a qualification

until all monies due to the University have been paid .

General Prospectus

40

G11 Concurrent registration

Save by special permission of the Senate:

a) no student shall be registered for more than one qualification at the same

time; nor

b) shall any student, while registered at any other tertiary institution, be

registered concurrently at the University.

G12 Period of attendance

Every candidate for a qualification shall meet the relevant attendance and

performance requirements for each module / course and qualification as

prescribed by the relevant Faculty and approved by the Senate, in order to

obtain the requisite cred it.

G13 Module registration

a) Subject to Rule G14, no studen t shall be registered for any module /

course unless his or her curriculum has been approved by the Senate. An

approved curriculum may be modified only with the consent of the Senate.

b) Save by special permission of the Senate, no student may attend a

module / course for which he or she is not registered .

G14 Prerequisite and co requisite requirements

a) A minimum year mark / semester mark of 50% is required for admission to

any examination.

b) A faculty may specify the attainment of a min imum mark of more than 50%

in a prerequisite module / course, a specified mark in a module / course

or any other requirement before registration for the proposed module /

course is permitted .

c) Registration for a module will be conditional on meeting all co requisite and

prerequisite requirements for that module .

G15 Obsolete modules

In readmitting a student, the Senate may withhold recognition, for the purposes of

a qualification, of cred its previously obtained in modules / courses which have

subsequently become obsolete.

General Prospectus

41

G16 Admission to examination

a) Students shall not present themselves for an examination in any module

/ course unless the Head of the Department in which they have stud ied

that module has certified that they have met the minimum requirements

(that will include the provisions of rule G14(a)) for the specified module.

b) The year mark / semester mark referred to in rule G14 (a) shall be valid only

for the examinations, includ ing supplementary examinations, of the

semester in which it is issued .

c) With the consent of the Faculty Board concerned , in exceptional

circumstances, the year mark / semester mark may be extended to the

relevant subsequent semester.

d ) The minimum requirements for each module / course shall be published in

the Faculty Handbook and in any other manner deemed appropriate by the

Faculty.

e) Save as may otherwise be provided by the Faculty, for each module / course

a list of those students refused admission to examination sh all be

published , in a manner deemed appropriate by the Faculty, on or before

the last day of teaching in each semester.

G17 Admission to examinations – right of appeal

a) Students have the right to appeal against the refusal of an admission to

examinations in terms of Rule G16.

b) An appeal must be lodged in the relevant Faculty Office, in the

prescribed manner, within three (3) University working days of the last day

of notification of examination admission refusal.

c) Such appeal shall be considered by an appropriate committee, the

composition of which shall be approved by the Senate.

d ) The decision of the committee shall be final.

G18 Examinations

a) An examination may be written and / or oral, and may include

practical work.

b) On application and / or on the recommendation of the Head of

Department, with the approval of the Senate, a written examination may,

for a particular student, be replaced or supplemented by an oral

examination.

General Prospectus

42

G19 External examination and moderation

a) Except w ith the permission of the Senate, all modules / courses, other

than exit-level modules / courses, shall be subject to internal

examination and independent moderation.

b) Except with the permission of the Senate, all exit-level modules / courses

shall be subject to internal and external moderation.

c) The portion of the total assessment subject to independent moderation or

external examination moderation, in terms of (a) or (b) above, shall be at

least 50%.

G20 Examination scripts

a) To aid academic development, students may view their examination scripts

under supervision for a prescribed fee.

b) (i) A student may, on formal application and after payment of the

applicable fee, have all his / her examination scripts for a module re-

marked , normally by the moderator in accordance with the policies

approved by the Senate and the Council.

(ii) Such application shall be lodged in the relevant Faculty Office, in the

prescribed manner, w ithin ten (10) University working days of

the release of final results.

(iii) The student‟s final mark for the module shall be that determined by

the re-mark.

(iv) The fee shall be refunded only if the re-mark causes an improvement

in the class of result as reflected in Rule G29(a).

c) Re-marking as contemplated in (b) above shall not be permitted for BTech

and equivalent projects, MTech d issertations and DTech theses.

d ) Examination scripts shall be stored by the University for a maximum period

of one year or such longer period as required by contractual or professional

obligations.

G21 Examination sessions

All examinations shall be conducted in the prescribed sessions approved by

the Senate.

G22 Supplementary examinations

Supplementary examinations may be awarded in terms of these Rules and the

relevant Faculty Rules, as approved by the Senate.

General Prospectus

43

G23 Special examinations

a) A student who has not been able to attempt or complete the original final

examination by reason of illness or any other reason deemed sufficient by

the Senate, may on application, be granted permission to sit a special

examination, normally during the next applicable supplementary

examination session.

b) An application for a special examination shall be made on the prescribed

form, accompanied by all relevant documentation, and lodged in the

relevant Faculty Office within five (5) working days of the date of the

examination concerned .

c) If an application for a special examination is approved , the examination

result, if any, from the original examination shall be regarded as null and

void . If such an application is not approved the original examination result

shall stand .

d ) Student who has one outstanding module to complete the qualification can

apply for a special examination if a year mark has been obtained .

G24 Standard of supplementary and special examinations

To pass supplementary and special examinations, students must demonstrate a

level of academic competence equivalent to that required in the original

examination.

G25 Limitation on awarding supplementary and special examinations

a) A supplementary or special examination shall not be granted in respect of

any supplementary examination awarded in terms of Rule G22.

b) A supplementary or special examination shall not be granted in respect of

any special examination awarded in terms of Rule G23.

G26 Completion of modules

Every module / course shall be completed by passing the Senate-approved

assessment in that module.

G27 Pass mark

The pass mark for all modules / courses in the University shall be 50%, provided

that any sub-minima required in certain components of the Senate-approved

assessment have been met.

General Prospectus

44

G28 Completion requirements

Save by special permission of the Council, upon the approval of the Senate, a

qualification shall not be conferred or awarded until:

a) cred it has been obtained for all prescribed modules, includ ing prerequisite

and co requisite modules / courses;

b) all other faculty requirements have been met; and

c) all monies due to the University have been paid .

G29 Classification of results

a) The result of any assessment shall be classified as follows:

75% upward = Distinction; 70 – 74%. = First Class, 60 – 69% = Second Class;

50 – 59% = Third Class; less than 50% = Fail.

b) A module / course may be passed with such d istinctions as may be

prescribed by the Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty Board

concerned .

c) A qualification may be conferred or awarded with such d istinctions as

may be prescribed by the Senate on the recommendation of the Faculty

Board concerned.

G30 Academic exclusion

a) The Senate may, after each examination session, exclude or refuse to renew

or continue the registration of a student who has failed to meet the academic

requirements for continued registration.

b) The Senate may cancel the registration of a student in all or one or more of

the modules / courses for which the student is registered in a semester

if, in the opinion of the Senate, the academic achievement of the student is

such that the student may not at the end of the semester obtain cred it in such

module / course or modules / courses.

c) The Council may, with the approval of the Senate, refuse readmission to a

student who fails to satisfy the minimum requirements for readmission.

d ) Subject to Rule G31, students excluded or refused re-registration may not be

readmitted to the University until they are able to demonstrate that they

have achieved a level of competence satisfactory to the relevant Faculty and

the Senate.

e) Rules G30a to G30d are contained in their entirety in the Policy on

Continuation of Stud ies of the University .

General Prospectus

45

G31 Academic exclusion – right of appeal

a) Students have the right to appeal against academic exclusion in terms of

Rule G30.

Such appeal shall be lodged in the Faculty of registration, in the

prescribed manner, within ten (10) University working days of the release of

final results.

b) The process for consideration of such an appeal shall be approved by the

Senate.

G32 Ethics

All academic activities and research in particular, shall comply with the relevant

University policies on ethics and any related requirements as determined by the

Senate and the Council.

G33 Reproduction of work

Subject to the provisions of the University‟s policy on intellectual property rights

and any limitations imposed by official contractual obligations:

a) In presenting an assignment, prescribed project, d issertation, thesis or any

such work for assessment, a student shall be deemed by so doing to have

granted the University the right to reproduce it in whole or in part for any

person or institution who states that it is for study and research but not for

commercial gain; provided that the University may waive this right if the

work in question has been or is being published in a manner satisfactory to

the University.

b) The work of students shall not be included in publications by academic staff

without their express permission and acknowledgement; provided that such

work may be included and acknowledged if all reasonable attempts to trace

such students have been unsuccessfu l.

RULES FOR CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS

Note: The following Rule is add itional to the preced ing General Rules G1 - G33.

CD1 Applicability

The rules governing certificates and diplomas in any faculty shall be as prescribed

by the Senate and the Council in the Handbook of the applicable faculty.

General Prospectus

46

RULES FOR BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (BTECH) DEGREES

Note: The following Rules are additional to the preced ing General Rules G1 - G33.

BT1 Applicability

The following Rules, BT2 to BT8 inclusive, shall be applicable to every candidate

for a degree of BTech.

BT2 Criteria for admission to study

a) Applicants may be registered for the degree of BTech in any faculty

provided that they have:

(i) Satisfied the requirements for a relevant prerequisite d iploma as

specified in the Faculty concerned; or

(ii) Been admitted to the status of that degree in terms of Rule G7(a); or

(iii) Attained a level of competence as defined in Rule G7(b).

b) A faculty may prescribe further minimum criteria for admission to study.

BT3 Attendance

a) Every student for a degree of BTech shall attend an approved course of

study as a registered student of the University for a period of at least two

semesters after admission in terms of Rule BT2.

b) Save by permission of the Senate, all modules shall be completed at the

University.

BT4 Curriculum

Save by permission of the Senate, the curriculum for a degree of BTech shall

include a prescribed project as one of the modules.

BT5 Supplementary examinations

Provided that the rules of a faculty, as approved by the Senate, do not prohibit this

for a particular module:

a) a student who fails a module other than the prescribed project with a mark

of at least 45% - 48% shall be awarded a supplementary examination; and

b) under exceptional circumstances, and with the permission of the Senate, a

student who has failed a module other than the prescribed project with a

mark of less than 45% - 48% may be awarded a supplementary examination.

General Prospectus

47

BT6 Re-examination of prescribed project

Provided that the rules of a faculty, as approved by the Senate, permit this, a

prescribed project that is failed may be referred back once for revision and

resubmission before the close of the applicable supplementary examination session.

BT7 Failed modules

Failed modules may not be repeated , except with the permission of the Senate and

in accordance with the Policy on Continuation of Stud ies.

BT8 Award of degree cum laude and magna cum laude

a) A degree of BTech may be conferred cum laude in accordance with the rules

of the relevant Faculty, as approved by the Senate, provided that, subject to

exceptions as approved by the Council, the student has:

(i) obtained a cred it-weighted average of at least 75% in those modules

required for the qualification; and

(ii) a mark of at least 75% for the prescribed project; and

(iii) successfully completed all modules in the curriculum without

recourse to supplementary examinations; and

(iv) completed the degree in the prescribed minimum time.

RULES FOR MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY (MTECH) DEGREES


MT1 Applicability

The following Rules, MT2 to MT17 inclusive, shall be applicable to every candidate

for a degree of MTech.

MT2 Criteria for admission to study

a) An applicant shall not be registered for the degree of MTech in any faculty

unless the applicant has:

(i) satisfied the requirements for a relevant prerequisite degree as


(ii) been admitted to the status of that degree in terms of Rule G7(a); or

(iii) attained a level of competence as defined in Rule G7(b).


General Prospectus

48

MT3 Recognition of examinations

The Senate may accept examinations passed or certificates of proficiency completed

in any module by a student in any faculty of the University or of any other

university or institution recognised by the Senate for this purpose, or accept

demonstration of an equivalent level of competence through prior learning, in

terms of Rule G7(b), as exempting the student from examination in module(s)

prescribed for a degree of MTech by coursework, provided that:

a) no more than 50% of the required cred its for the degree may be so exempted ,

provided that such cred its shall be awarded for coursework modules only;

and

b) at least 75% of the total number of cred its required for the degree are at

MTech level and the remainder at Honours level or above; and

c) students shall not have the degree of MTech conferred unless the conditions

laid down in Rules MT4 and MT5 are satisfied .

MT4 Periods of registration

A student registered for the degree of MTech by coursework in any faculty shall be

so registered for a minimum period of two semesters for full-time students or four

semesters for part-time students before the degree may be conferred.

MT5 Recognition of attendance

Senate may accept, as part of the attendance of a student for a degree of MTech by

coursework, periods of attendance as a registered or graduated student at any

other university or institution or in any other faculty, provided that students shall

not have the degree of MTech conferred unless:

a) their periods of attendance are together not less than the complete period

prescribed for conferral of the degree; and

b) the research component is completed at the Vaal University of Technology.

MT6 Curriculum

a) A student for the degree of MTech by coursework shall complete all

prescribed modules, at least one of which shall be a d issertation module

comprising research on a particular topic approved by Senate, and comply

with such other conditions as may be prescribed by Senate and the rules of

the Faculty concerned .

b) The d issertation module shall comprise 25% to 50% of the total cred its for

the degree.

General Prospectus

49

c) A student for the degree of MTech by research shall be required to pursue an

approved programme of research on some subject falling within the scope of

the stud ies represented in the University. A student shall also comply with

such other conditions as may be prescribed by Senate and the rules of the

Faculty concerned .

MT7 Proposed subject of study and research topic

a) Before registration, an applicant for the degree of MTech by research in any

faculty shall submit for the app roval of Senate a research proposal of the

chosen subject of study.

b) Senate may, at its d iscretion, decline to approve such subject (and a research

topic in the case of MTech by coursework) if, in its opinion:

(i) it is unsuitable in itself, or

(ii) it cannot profitably be stud ied or pursued under the supervision of

the University, or

(iii) the conditions under which the applicant proposes to work are

unsatisfactory.

c) Ethical approval in terms of Rule G32 is required where applicable.

MT8 Supervision

A Faculty Board shall, in terms of the policies of Senate, appoint one or more

appropriate supervisors, at least one of whom shall be a member of the University

staff, to advise a student whose research topic is approved , and the student shall be

required to work in such association with the supervisor or supervisors as the

Senate may d irect.

MT9 Supplementary examinations

Provided that the rules of a faculty, as approved by Senate, do not prohibit this for

a particular module in the case of MTech by coursework:

a) a student who fails a module other than the d issertation with a mark of at

least 45% - 48% shall be awarded a supplementary examination;

b) under exceptional circumstances, and with the permission of the Senate, a

student who has failed a module other than the d issertation with a mark of

less than 45% - 48% may be awarded a supplementary examination.

MT10 Failed coursework modules

Failed coursework modules may not be repeated , except with the permission of the

Senate.

General Prospectus

50

MT11 Progression

A student who, after six semesters as a full-time student or ten semesters as a part-

time student, has not completed the requirements for the degree shall be required

to apply for re-registration, which will only be permitted on receipt of a satisfactory

motivation.

MT12 Submission of dissertation

a) Every student for the degree of MTech by research shall be required to

submit a d issertation embodying the results of their research.

b) For both MTech degree types (by coursework and by research): At least

three months before the d issertation is to be submitted for examination, a

student shall give notice, in writing, to the Executive Dean of the Faculty

concerned of the intention to submit such d issertation and the title thereof,

provided that, in the event of a stud ent failing to submit the d issertation for

examination within six months thereafter, the notice will lapse and a further

notice of intention shall be submitted .

MT13 Format of dissertation

a) Every d issertation submitted shall include a declaration to th e satisfaction of

the Senate stating that it has not previously been submitted for a degree in

this or any other university, and that it is the student's own original work.

b) Every d issertation submitted shall be in such format as prescribed by the

Senate and the rules of the relevant Faculty; provided that each d issertation

shall include an abstract in English not exceeding 350 words.

MT14 Supervisor’s report

Upon submission of the d issertation, the supervisor or supervisors shall furnish a

report on the conduct of the student's work; the report shall not include an

evaluation of the quality of the d issertation.

MT15 Examination of dissertation

a) The Senate shall appoint for each d issertation two examiners, at least one of

whom shall be responsible for external examination.

b) Except with the permission of the Senate, a supervisor or co-supervisor shall

not be appointed as an examiner.

General Prospectus

51

MT16 Re-examination of dissertation

a) A failed d issertation may not be re-examined .

b) On the advice of the Faculty Board , the Senate may invite a student to re-

submit a d issertation in a revised or extended form.

MT17 Award of degree cum laude and magna cum laude

a) The degree of MTech by coursework shall be awarded cum laude if:

(i) the student produces a particu larly outstanding d issertation and the

examiners recommend to the Faculty Board that the degree be

awarded cum laude; and

(ii) the student obtains a weighted average of 75% or more in the

coursework component of the degree at the first attempt and without

recourse to supplementary examinations.

b) The degree of MTech by coursework shall be awarded magna cum laude if:

(i) the student produces a particularly outstanding d issertation and the

examiners recommend to the Board of the Faculty that the degree be

awarded magna cum laude; and

(ii) the student obtains a weighted average of 85% or more in the

coursework component of the degree at the first attempt and without

recourse to supplementary examinations.

(iii) On the recommendation of the examiners, and in accordance with

rules of the relevant faculty, the degree of Master by research may be

awarded cum laude or magna cum laude.

RULES FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF TECHNOLOGY (DTECH)


DT1 Applicability

Except as may be prescribed by the Senate in the rules of any particular faculty, the

following rules, DT2 to DT13 inclusive, shall be applicable to every candidate for

the degree of DTech.

General Prospectus

52

DT2 Criteria for admission to study

a) An applicant shall not be registered for the degree of DTech / by research in

any faculty unless the applicant has:

(i) satisfied the requirements for a relevant prerequisite degree as


(ii) been admitted to the status of that degree in terms of Rule G7(a); or

(iii) attained a level of competence as defined in Rule G7(b).


DT3 Periods of registration

A student registered for the degree of DTech in any faculty shall be so registered

for a minimum period of four semesters for full-time students or eight semesters

for part-time students before the degree may be conferred .

DT4 Curriculum

a) A student for the degree of DTech shall be required to p ursue an approved

programme of research on some subject falling within the scope of the

stud ies represented in the University.

b) Such programme shall make a d istinct contribution to the knowledge or

understanding of the subject and afford evidence of orig inality shown either

by the d iscovery of new facts and / or by the exercise of independent critical

thinking

c) A student shall also comply with such other conditions as may be prescribed

by the Senate and the rules of the Faculty concerned .

DT5 Proposed subject of study

a) Before registration, an applicant for the degree of DTech shall submit for the

approval of the Senate a statement of the proposed subject of study.

b) The Senate may, at its d iscretion, decline to approve such subject if, in its

opinion:

(i) it is unsuitable in itself, or

(ii) it cannot profitably be stud ied or pursued under the supervision of

the University, or

(iii) the conditions under which the applicant proposes to work are

unsatisfactory.

c) Ethical approval in terms of Rule G32 is required where applicable.

General Prospectus

53

DT6 Supervision

The Faculty Board shall appoint one or more appropriately qualified promoter, at

least one of whom shall be a member of the University staff, to ad vise a student

whose research topic is approved , and the studen t shall be required to work in such

association with the promoter or promoters as the Senate may d irect.

DT7 Progression

A student who, after eight semesters as a full-time student or twelve semesters as a

part-time student, has not completed the requirem ents for the degree shall be

required to apply for re-registration, which will only be permitted on receipt of a

satisfactory motivation.

DT8 Submission of thesis

a) Every student for the degree of DTech shall be required to submit a thesis

embodying the results of their research.

b) At least three months before the thesis is to be submitted for examination, a

student shall give notice, in writing, to the Executive Dean of the faculty

concerned of the intention to submit such thesis and the title thereof,

provided that, in the event of a student failing to submit the thesis for

examination within six months thereafter, the notice will lapse and a further

notice of intention shall be submitted .

DT9 Format of thesis

a) Every thesis submitted shall include a declaration to the satisfaction of the

Senate stating that it has not previously been submitted for a degree in this

or any other university and that it is the student's own original work.

b) Every thesis submitted shall be in such format as prescribed by the Senate

and the rules of the relevant Faculty; provided that each thesis shall include

an abstract in English not exceeding 350 words.

DT10 Supervisor’s report

Upon submission of the thesis, the promoter or promoters shall furnish a report on

the conduct of the student's work; the report shall not include an evaluation of the

quality of the thesis.

General Prospectus

54

DT11 Examination

a) The Senate shall appoint for each thesis three examiners, at least two of

whom shall be responsible for external examination.

b) Except with the permission of the Senate, at least one of the external

examiners shall be based external to the country.

c) Except with the permission of the Senate, a promoter or co-promoter shall

not be appointed as an examiner.

DT12 Re-examination of thesis

a) A failed thesis may not be re-examined .

b) On the advice of the Faculty Board the Senate may invite a student to re -

submit a thesis in a revised or extended form.

DT13 Defence of thesis

The Senate may require a student to defend a thesis.

General Prospectus

55

13.2 Admissions Policy

1. POLICY INTENTION

The Admissions Policy finds purpose in regulating the admission of students

at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), subject to stipulations of section

74 (1) of the Higher Education Act, 1997, (Act 101 of 1997), as well as a policy

document on the requirements for admission to study at a technikon, which

was approved by the Committee for Technikon Principals (CTP) in November

2002, and the Statutes of the VUT.

This policy and its rules and procedures replace all pr evious policies and/ or

circulars on the admission of students to study at the VUT. All previous

policies, rules and procedures will be rendered obsolete by this policy as

approved .

2. POLICY AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the Admissions Policy is to effectively facilitate the admission and

registration process for all applicants who meet the minimum VUT admission

requirements in a particular programme.

In terms of the stated aim, the objectives of the Admissions Policy are to ensure

that:

a) applicants applying for admission will not be d iscriminated against on the

basis of race, colour, religion, gender, d isability or nationality, in

accordance with policies and regular practices of the VUT;

b) projections of the number of students to be admitted and enr olled in any

year at the VUT will be determined by each faculty and approved by the

Senate of the Vaal University of Technology, based on firstly, meeting

national enrolment benchmarks as determined by the Department of

Education (DoE); secondly, the capacity of the institution to meet the

educational and other needs of students, and / or third ly, registration

levels approved for budgetary or other appropriate purposes;

c) admission of an applicant to a specific faculty, department and

programme of the VUT will be governed by the General Rules as reflected

in the Prospectus of the VUT and specific rules set out by the relevant

academic faculties;

General Prospectus

56

d) when, at any time, the number of qualifying applicants for admission

exceeds the number of prospective students that can be admitted and

enrolled, final admission will be on the basis of the VUT‟s evaluation of

the applicant‟s potential for satisfactory performance in the specific

programme to which the applicant seeks admission. Meeting the

minimum requirements is, therefore, not necessarily a guarantee for

admission into a particular instructional programme;

e) provided that the criteria set out below are met, this policy of competitive

admissions will not prevent the admission of selected applicants.

Applicants who firstly, give evidence of possessing special talents;

secondly whose admission contributes to achieving equity considerations

within the total number of students admitted and enrolled ; or third ly who

seek educational programmes not read ily available at other institutions.

3. CLARIFICATION OF TERMINOLOGY

In this policy, unless otherwise stated :

“admission” means permission granted by a department to an applicant to

commence stud ies, thereby allowing the applicant to register for a specific

programme in a specific semester or year.

“Council” means the Council of the Vaal University of Technology, duly

constituted in terms of the provisions of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act

101 of 1997).

“official language” means a language selected from amongst Afrikaans, English,

Isindebele, Sesotho sa Leboa, Sesotho, siSwati, Xitsonga, Setswana, Tshivenda,

Isixhosa and Isizulu. The VUT considers English as the official language of its

business.

“National Senior Certificate” means the school leaving certificate conferred by

Umalusi as from 2008 in terms of the provisions of the National Curriculum

Statement.

“programme” means any formal programme of higher education and training

offered by the VUT, in respect of which a VUT certificate is issued on its

successful completion.

General Prospectus

57

“prospective student” means a person who applies to become a first-time

student at the VUT.

“registration” means the formal administrative process during which the

biographical and academic information of a prospective student or a stud ent

who is continuing his / her stud ies is recorded and the fixed fees are paid after

which his / her official status as a student of the VUT, is confirmed.

“Senate” means the Senate of the VUT, duly constituted in terms of the

provisions of the Higher Ed ucation Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997).

“Senior Certificate” means a school-leaving certificate conferred by the South

African Certification Council.

“Umalusi” means the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further

Education and Training.

“university” means any institution of higher education established in terms of

the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997) with a view to the provision

of university education.

“university certificate” means any certificate, d iploma or degree issued on the

successful completion of a university education.

“VUT” means the Vaal University of Technology, duly constituted in terms of

the provisions of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act 101 of 1997).

4. POLICY FRAMEWORK

The Admissions Policy should not be operationalized in isolation, but with due

consideration and application of the rules and procedures stipulated in other

relevant VUT policies pertaining to Teaching & Learning; Resources and

Planning as well as Institutional Support.

5. POLICY PROVISIONS

The Admissions Policy d ifferentiates between admission requirements for

undergraduate qualifications and requirements for degree or post graduate

qualifications. It further stipulates admissions through transfer through

General Prospectus

58

preparatory courses; admission of international students; re-admission

requirements; appeals against admissions and registration rules.

5.1 Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Entrance requirements to any programme at the VUT will be considered in

terms of students hold ing a South African Senior Certificate; or a Matric

Certificate; or N3 Certificate; or the South African National Senior Certificate

(NSC). Criteria for persons not meeting the minimum requirements are

ind icated and the necessary documentation required to be considered for

admission to the VUT is stipulated .

5.1.1 Entrance Requirements

All applicants will be selected on merit by the department concerned and

such selection may include selection and / or placement tests. The

Admissions Policy will consider the application of any person in meeting the

entrance requirements for a VUT programme in terms of students hold ing a

South African Senior Certificate; or a Matric Certificate; or N3 Certificate; or

the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC).

a) Students holding the South African Senior Certificate / Matric

Certificate / N3 Certificate

The minimum entrance requirement for admission to the VUT is a

Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification. A pass mark is required in

English, as it is the language of instruction at the VUT. If an applicant is

in possession of an N3 qualification as an entrance requirement, it

should reflect at least four passed subjects, plus pass marks in two

official languages (of which one must be English), at least at Senior

Certificate level (SG). Additional requirements are specified for each

course / instructional programme in the relevant faculty prospectus.

Selection will be based on the points obtained accord ing to the Swedish

Point System (SPS).

b) Students holding the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC)

The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate d iploma

study is a National Senior Certificate (NSC), as certified by Umalusi,

w ith an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or

better in four recognised NSC 20-cred it subjects. Additional

requirements are specified for each course / instructional offering in the

General Prospectus

59

relevant faculty prospectus. Selection will be based on the points

obtained accord ing to the Admission Point System (APS).

c) Persons who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission

Applicants who do not meet the minimum criteria for admission as

outlined in 5.1 above may be admitted if they meet any of the following

criteria (at the d iscretion of the Senate of the Vaal University of

Technology). Firstly, applicants in possession of a Senior Certificate or

equivalent qualification with pass marks in such subjects are required

for the specific field of study and are 23 years of age and above may be

considered for admission. Secondly, applicants may be admitted on the

basis of recognition of prior learning (RPL) in cases where such prior

learning is assessed as equivalent to entry requirements as outlined in

5.1 above. Such applicants must provide evidence of such learning

acceptable to the VUT for consideration. Procedures for such

alternative admission are contained in the RPL Rules and Procedure

document contained in Annexure A. Thirdly, applicants with foreign

qualifications or qualifications deemed equivalent to qualifications

outlined in 5.1 above will be considered based on advice from a

recognised equivalence setting body such as SAQA or HESA.

5.1.2 Required Documentation:

All applications for admission must be accompanied by certified copies of

the following documentation

a) Standard 10 / Grade 12 / Matric / SC / NSC or equivalent certificate.

b) Certificate of conduct (if previously enrolled at another tertiary

institution).

c) Full Academic Transcript (if previously enrolled at another tertiary

institution).

d ) Documentary evidence of all other formal qualifications attained .

e) Valid South African Identity Document.

f) A valid study permit (in the case of international students).

5.1 Degree and Postgraduate Admission Requirements

5.2.1 Admission through a VUT undergraduate diploma

General Prospectus

60

Admission to a degree programme will be by means of a selection process

for those students who, in the opinion of the Senate of the Vaal University

of Technology, have demonstrated sufficient academic read iness to pursue

a degree in their chosen field of study.

5.2.2 Admission through the National Senior Certificate

In order to be eligible for admission to a degree programme applicants

hold ing a South African National Senior Certificate need to pass a

minimum of four subjects a rating of 4 (Ad equate Achievement, 50-59%)

or better from the DoE designated list of subjects, inter alia Accounting;

Agricultural Sciences; Business Stud ies; Dramatic Arts; Economics;

Engineering Graphics and Design; Geography; History; Consumer

Stud ies; Information Technology; Languages (one language of learning

and teaching at a higher education institution and two other recognised

language subjects); Life Sciences; Mathematics; Mathematical Literacy;

Music; Physical Sciences; Religion Stud ies; and Visual Arts.

5.2.3 Admission through the Senior / Matric / Std10 Certificate

Admission into a degree or course will be as outlined in 5.1 above.

5.3 Admissions by Transfer

5.3.1 Admission and registration by transfer from another tertiary institution

will be conditional upon the following:

a) Satisfactory academic record provided from the tertiary institution

previously enrolled at.

b) Certificate of good conduct provided from the tertiary institution

previously enrolled at.

c) Proof of no outstanding student debts from institution(s) previously

enrolled at.

d ) Approval by the relevant Head of Department (HoD).

e) Availability of space in the academic programme that the applicant is

applying for.

5.3.2 Admission and registration by transfer from another Campus /

Department will be at the d iscretion of the Executive Dean of the receiving

Faculty.

General Prospectus

61

5.4 Admissions Through Preparatory Courses

Admissions into undergraduate programmes effected through extended /

introductory / bridging / foundation and similar courses will be based on

satisfactory performance in these courses, the criteria of which will be

determined by the Senate of the VUT.

5.5 Admissions of International Students

Applications for admission of international students will be administered

through the Office for International Relations. Admissions of foreign students

will be based upon the submission of all required documentation as required

by the Department of Foreign Affairs, evaluation of qualifications by a

recognised equivalence setting body and approval by the receiving faculty.

5.6 Re-Admission

All continuing / returning (senior) students of the VUT will be required to re-

register each semester / year. Such re-registration will be denied in the

following cases:

a) Students who fail to obtain a pass grade in at least 50% of the subjects /

modules registered for.

b) Senior students who fail a subject twice.

c) Students who fail to obtain the qualification registered for within the

minimum admissible period of time.

The registration rules support this Admissions Policy are outlined in section

5.8 of this policy.

5.7 Appeals Against Admission Decisions

All applicants have a right of appeal against an admission decision. Appeals

concerning ind ividual admission decisions must be lodged with the VUT

Registrar.

General Prospectus

62

5.8 Registration Rules

The Registration Rules as outlined below supplement and give effect to the

Admissions Policy of the Vaal University of Technology and should therefore

be read in conjunction with this policy. The rules should also be read in

conjunction with the General Rules for Students.

5.8.1 Eligibility for registration

Students may not register for a course unless an offer of a place in the

course has been made, the offer has been accepted in the prescribed

manner and all the conditions for registrat ion have been met, as

prescribed the Senate of the VUT.

5.8.2 Responsibility for correct registration

Students are responsible for ensuring that they are correctly registered for

each semester / year.

a) Correct information

Students must ensure that information required on the registration

form is complete and correct.

b) Correct subjects

Subjects must be entered correctly by subject code, and must be part

of the course in which the student is enrolled.

c) Prerequisites

Students can only register for su bjects for which prerequisites have

been met. Students who register for subjects for which they do not

fulfil the necessary prerequisites will automatically be blocked /

deregistered by the Student Administration Section, unless such

registration has been allowed by the relevant HoD (or relevant

Executive Dean). Such acceptance has to be accompanied by a

motivation from the relevant HoD or Executive Dean.

d ) Due dates

All registration conditions, includ ing the payment of fees, must be

met by the specified due date.

General Prospectus

63

5.8.3 Registration forms

In order to effect registration, students must complete all relevant sections

of their registration form and sign the declaration on the form.

5.8.4 Payment of fees

a) Registration and the payment of fees

The payment of fees associated with registration as a student at the

VUT is an integral and compulsory component of the registration

process. Registration is not complete until all fees associated with

such registration have been paid .

b) Fees payable at registration

The fees payable at registration include any fees or other charges

outstanding from previous academic years or semesters; course or

tuition fees, if applicable; the applicable fee for late registration, if

registration is done after closing date and any other fees as may be

determined from time-to-time.

c) Amounts payable

The amount payable for a particular fee in a particular year is

published in the Schedule of Fees which is obtainable from the

Finance Department.

d ) Due dates for payment

Fees associated with registration will be paid by the due date for

payment. The annual due dates for payment are published in the

Academic Calendar section in the VUT Prospectus; the Student

Information Booklet issued to students at registration; and on

ind ividual notices or invoices issued to students.

e) Late fees

Students who do not enrol by the advertised last date for registration

must, if permitted to enrol late, pay a late registration fee.

f) Extension-of-time for payment

An extension of time for the payment of fees associated with

registration will not normally be granted . Where an extension -of-

time is granted , a deferred payment fee may also be payable.

General Prospectus

64

g) Waiver of fees

Fees associated with registration will not normally be waived .

Exceptions to th is can only be allowed by the Rectorate.

h) Liability for additional costs

Costs incurred by the VUT in seeking to collect fees associated with

registration will be charged to the student‟s account and will be

considered as an additional cost associated w ith the student‟s

registration.

i) Refunds for cancelled courses

Students, who withdraw from a subject by the published closing date

for changes in registration status for the period , will not incur a

financial liability for that subject. If a student has paid any fees

towards that subject or subjects before withdrawal, the student will

receive a refund of the fees paid . Students, who withdraw from a

subject after the published closing date for changes in registration

status, will incur a financial liability for that subject that may vary

from one academic year to the next. Enquiries should be directed to

the Student Administration Office.

5.8.5 Selection of subjects

The following restrictions to subject selections will apply:

a) Approval of subject selections

All subject selections must be done in conjunction with and / or be

approved by the relevant HoD. Registration forms must be signed by

the HoD before being lodged with the Student Administration Office.

b) Maximum subject load

Students may not enrol for more than the normal subject load for each

session, except with the permission of the HoD. The normal subject

load for each qualification is stipulated in the VUT Prospectus.

c) Restrictions on subject registration

The HoD may place restrictions on the number of subjects / courses /

modules students may register for in a given semester / year and / or

may specify particular subjects / courses / modules students have to

take.

General Prospectus

65

d) Subject quotas

Students may be prevented from enrolling in particu lar course /

module due to subject registration quotas.

5.8.6 Prerequisites

a) Failure to meet prerequisites

Registration in a subject / course / module is null-and-void if

students have not met the prerequisite / s for that subject / course /

module. See point 2.3 above.

b) Changes to prerequisites

Students will not be d isadvantaged by any change of prerequisites

provided that the student remains continually registered in the

course. Should students withdraw from a course and be

subsequently re-admitted , the new prerequisites will apply upon re-

admission.

5.8.7 Student identification

a) Student numbers

Upon initial registration at the VUT, students will be issued with a

student number which must be quoted in all correspondence with the

VUT. This number will be retained by a student and used whenever

the student commences a new course with the VUT.

b) Identification cards

Issue of cards: Students enrolling for the first time with the VUT will

be issued with an identification card . Students re-enrolling with the

VUT will have their identification card validated as current for the

period of their re-registration.

Use of cards: An identification card is a student‟s authority to access

a range of the VUT‟s services and facilities as determined by the VUT;

includ ing the authority to attend classes, receive teaching materials,

access to the examination venues and to borrow specified materials

from the VUT.

Obligations regarding use: Acceptance of an identification card

confirms that a student undertakes to use the card for the purposes

for which it is issued and therefore accepts the rules or conditions, as

amended from time-to-time, which are specified in relation to any of

those purposes.

General Prospectus

66

Replacement of cards: Identification cards will e replaced su bject to

the payment of a prescribed fee.

5.8.8 Personal data

a) Responsibility for personal data

Students must notify the Stud ent Administration Office of any change

of name, address, cell phone number or other data recorded on their

registration form. Students will be asked to check all personal data at

each registration session, but they must advise the Student

Administration Office of changes as they occur by completing a

change of details form available for this purpose at the Student

Administration Office, or by writing to the Student Administration

Office.

b) Appeals against decisions

Failure to inform the Student Administration Office of changes to

personal data will not be accepted as grounds for appeal against any

VUT decisions.

c) Preferred forms of communication

The preferred method of communication to students is through the

VUT allocated e-mail address of each student. It is therefore the

student‟s responsibility to check e-mails regularly. Failure to comply

with this provision will not be accepted as grounds for appeal against

any VUT decisions. Information will also be communicated to

students via short message service (SMS). It is therefore incumbent

on the student to ensure that the VUT has on record their current cell

phone numbers at all times, when available.

5.8.9 Confirmation of registration

Students are required to confirm their registration by the published

closing date for changes in registration status specified in the Academic

Calendar by checking the information on a form issued by the Student

Administration Office which shows each student‟s registration status.

General Prospectus

67

a) Corrections to registration

Corrections to registration resulting from the registration

confirmation must be lodged with the Student Administration Office

by the published closing date for changes in registration status.

b) Late corrections

Corrections to subject registration after the published closing date for

changes in registration status will not be entertained .

5.8.10 Re-registration

All continuing students are required to re-register each semester / year by

a date specified in the Academic Calendar. Students who fail to re -

register by such date will incur a late registration fee.

5.8.11 Addition of subjects

a) Application

Applications to add a subject should be made on the relevant form

available from the Student Ad ministration Office.

b) Deadlines

Subject to a place being available in a subject, registered VUT

students may add subjects to their registration by the final date

published for this purpose in the VUT Academic Calendar.

c) Applications received by the deadline

The Student Administration Office will process an application

received by the deadline provided that there is a place available in the

subject and the student is eligible to enrol in the subject. Such an

application must be signed by the relevant HoD.

d ) Applications received after the deadline

The Student Administration Office will decline an application

received after the deadline. In exceptional cases, the Executive Dean

of the Faculty will have the d iscretion to recommend such an

addition.

General Prospectus

68

e) Notification

Students will receive written advice regard ing their application from

the Student Administration Office.

5.8.12 Cancellation of subjects

a) Application

Students must advise the Stud ent Administration Office in writing of

their intention to cancel a subject. In order to avoid a fail grade in a

subject, notification of withdrawal should be received by the Student

Administration Office before the published closing date for subject

withdrawals for the particular registration session.

b) Withdrawal by the published closing date

If a student notifies the Student Administration Office of the

cancellation of a subject by the published closing date for the session

registration in the subject will not be recorded on the student‟s

transcript. If a student withdraws from all subjects by the published

closing date for the session, the student will be considered not to have

registered and will be withdrawn from the course / programme. The

appropriate form obtainable from the Student Administration Office

will have to be completed and signed by the relevant authorities to

effect such withdrawal.

5.8.13 Closing dates for registration

Closing dates for registration for each session are published in the annual

academic calendar. Except through special permission from Rectorate, no

late registrations will be allowed.

5.8.14 Refusal of registration

a) Students who are indebted to the University by reason of non -

payment of any fee or charge, and who fail to make satisfactory

settlement of indebtedness after receipt of due notice, may be refused

registration or have their registration cancelled .

b) Students who fail to show satisfactory academic progress, after due

warnings have been served on them, will be refused registration or

have their registration cancelled .

General Prospectus

69

c) Students who fail to d isclose such information as is required for

registration, or deliberately falsify information to effect registration,

or conduct themselves in a manner that contravenes the provisions of

any policy, rule, regulation or the Statu te of the Vaal University of

Technology, will be refused registration or have their registration

with the VUT cancelled .

d ) Transferring students who fail to d isclose a full acad emic record and

/ or Statement of Conduct from the transferring institution will be

denied registration or have their registration with the Vaal University

of Technology cancelled .

5.8.15 Classes

Students are required to present themselves for all schedu led classes and

tutorials from the commencement of the annually ad vertised academic

programme.

5. POLICY MANAGEMENT

The Admissions Policy is developed in accordance with the provisions of the

Higher Education Act (101 of 1997 as amended), the Statu te of the Vaal

University of Technology as well as the following documents:

a) Minimum Admission Requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and

Bachelor‟s Degree Programmes requiring a National Senior Certificate

(DoE 2005);

b) The policy document on the Requirements for Admission to Study at a

Technikon (CTP 2002);

c) Promotion of Access to Information Act (2 of 2000);

d ) National Senior Certificate (NSC): A qualification at level 4 on the NQF

(July 2005);

e) Government Gazette no. 29851 of 2007 – Amendments to the programme

and promotion requirements of NSC (April 2007);

General Prospectus

70

f) National Certificate Vocational NC(V): A qualification at Level 2; 3 & 4 on

NQF (March 2006); and

g) The requirements as stipulated in the Higher Education Qualification

Framework (HEQF).

Approved by Senate on 08/ 09/ 2008

Approved by Council on 09/ 09/ 2008

General Prospectus

71

13.3 Policy on Academic Probation, Withdrawal From & Deferment

of Studies

1. INTRODUCTION

This policy serves as a supportive guideline to the policy on continuation

of stud ies and other related academic policies. It seeks to resolve

uncertainties that arise from breaks in continuous registration of students.

This policy does not cover deregistration / cancellations, add itions and re-

registration of ind ividual courses and modules as these are covered by

other policy documents.

2. DEFERMENT OF STUDIES

2.1 First year students who have been accepted for admission at VUT and

wish to delay their registration at VUT for a semester or a year may

request deferred admission by writing to the Registrar: Academic

Support. The letter requesting deferred admission must ind icate the

length of time requested for d eferral, the reason for requesting the deferral

and the proposed actions of the student during the time of the deferral.

2.2 If deferred admission is granted , the student must pay a non-refundable

fee as will be prescribed annually.

2.3 Deferred students may not enrol at any other university / educational

institution during the granted deferment period.

3. WITHDRAWAL

A withdrawal occurs when a student voluntarily suspends stud ies either

temporarily or permanently. A student who desires to withdraw from

stud ies is required to do so formally, as outlined in this policy.

3.1 General Overview

3.1.1 A withdrawal from the University ind icates that the student has no

intention of returning to VUT. If the student decides to return at a later

date, the student must apply formally for readmission.

General Prospectus

72

3.1.2 Since withdrawal from the University has immediate financial

implications, students must have an exit interview with a representative of

the finance department. Students are responsible for all tuition associated

with course registrations and any other fees associated with the

University.

3.1.3 Students who withdraw from the University should follow these

procedures:

Notify the Executive Dean of intention to withdraw from the

University.

Meet a representative of the Student Services Division for an exit

interview.

Withdraw from all classes in accordance with the policy for course

withdrawals if the student withdraws from the University in the

middle of a semester in which the student is taking classes.

Meet with a representative of the Finance Department.

Arrange payment for all outstanding fees with the Finance

Department.

Order an official transcript.

3.2 Types of withdrawal

There are three types of withdrawal:

Withdrawal with permission

Withdrawal without permission

Retroactive withdrawal

3.2.1 Withdrawal with permission

3.2.1.1 Withdrawal with permission may be temporary or permanent.

3.2.1.2 A temporary withdrawal is a release from university / stud ies /

programme for, normally, one semester and not exceeding one year. A

temporary withdrawal may be treated as a leave of absence from the

University necessitated by adverse personal con ditions (such as: ill-health,

bereavement, loss of job, family problems etc.). A permanent withdrawal

General Prospectus

73

is a release from university / stud ies / programme for a period in excess

of one semester with no stated intention to resume stud ies in future.

3.2.1.3 In both cases the executive d ean must approve the withdrawal and set

conditions governing subsequent resumption of stud ies.

3.2.1.4 In both cases, if the student is not in good academic standing, the student

will receive a “Terminat ion” notation on their records. If the student is in

good academic standing, the student record will ind icate “Terminat ion

w ithout prejudice”. This is to ensure that the period of withdrawal will

not be counted in determining the total uninterrupted registration period

of the student.

3.2.1.5 A temporary withdrawal may not be granted more than once during the

maximum time allowed for completion of the Programme. In the case of a

permanent withdrawal, a student may formally apply to resume the

programme only:

If they were in good academic standing when the withdrawal took

effect,

If the period that lapsed during such a withdrawal does not exceed

eighteen months, and

At the d iscretion of the executive dean of the faculty involved .

3.2.2 Withdrawal without permission

3.2.2.1 Official withdrawal from a Programme requires approval of the Executive

Dean of the faculty involved .

3.2.2.2 Withdrawal forms are obtainable from the Office of the Registrar:

Academic Support.

3.2.2.3 Withdrawal from Programmes / University / stud ies without such

permission being sought and granted will prejud ice the student with

regards the Continuation of Stud ies policy and may lead to a “FAIL”

grade in the courses / modules registered for.

3.2.3 Retroactive withdrawal

General Prospectus

74

No retroactive withdrawal will be allowed.

3.3 ACADEMIC STANDING

Academic standing refers to the academic and other conduct of the

student at the University. A good academic standing refers to good

academic performance and an acceptable behavioural conduct of the

student. A student who is not in good academic standing is a student that

has fallen foul of the Continuation of Stud ies policy and / or has had a

d isciplinary action taken against him / her.

3.4 ACADEMIC PROBATION

3.4.1 Students who fail to meet the minimum academic standard s or fail to

maintain good academic standing in terms of the Continuation of Stud ies

policy may be placed on academic probation.

3.4.2 The decision to place a student on academic probation is at the d iscretion

of the executive dean / faculty board .

3.4.3 Students placed on probation will sign a statement of conditions approved

by the Registrar: Academic Support. If the student is unable to satisfy

these conditions accord ing to the timeline allocated , the student will be

placed on compulsory permanent withdrawal.

General Prospectus

75

13.4 Procedure Regarding Continuation of Studies

A. Rationale

This procedure document seeks to assist students to ensure successful

progression through their stud ies and to ensure proper learning support

for students who are not making satisfactory academic progress.

The underlying principles to the document include the fact that a student

is offered one opportunity at each level to repeat the level. A system of

warnings is used to alert at-risk students to take pre-emptive corrective

actions.

This procedure document gives effect to Rules G30 and G31 in the General

Rules and provisions of paragraph 5.6 of the Admissions Policy of the

Vaal University of Technology.

B. Policy

1. First year student (level 1): Unsuccessful during first semester / year

1.1 A first year student (academic SI or academic year 1) (new student) who

has passed less than fifty percent of the enrolled cred its of the semester

(year for year students), may continue with stud ies in the particular

programme in the same field of study in the subsequent / next semester /

year provided that:

a. the student registers on ly for the failed credits;

b. the student subjects him / herself to a compulsory academic and / or

counselling support to be determined by the Department of Learning

Support / Faculty; and

c. the student passes 100% of SI (academic year 1 for year students)

cred its and successfully completes the counselling / academic

support programme at the end of such repeat semester / year.

1.2 If the student contemplated in 1.1 above fails to achieve the stipulated

conditions in 1.1(c) admission to the programme will be denied . Such a

student will be referred to the Department of Learning Support.

1.3 If the student contemplated in 1.1 successfully completed all the

outstanding subjects / modules during the following semester / year, the

student will be admitted to the next level.

General Prospectus

76

1.4 The student as contemplated in 1.1 above will sign a compulsory warning

for unsatisfactory academic progress before starting the second attempt at

the failed cred its referred to in 1.1(a).

2. First year student (level 1): Promoted to next level of study

2.1 A first year student (level 1) (new student) who passes 50% and above of

the enrolled cred its for a semester / year may register for the outst anding

cred its (subjects / modules completed unsuccessfully) and the subjects /

modules prescribed for the next level, provided that prerequisites are

adhered to and subject / module combinations can be accommodated on

the class time table and examination time table. Such stud ent must pass

all the outstanding modules / subjects from SI / year 1 to continue with

stud ies.

2.2 If a student described in 2.1 fails to complete the ou tstanding SI / year 1

cred its by the end of the historical second semester / year, admission to

the programme will be denied . Such a student will be referred to the

Department of Learning Support and 1.1 above, will apply. However, if

the student successfully completed all the outstanding subjects / modules

during the following sem ester / year, the student will be admitted to the

next level.

3. Senior Student (S2, S3, S4 or year 2 for year students): Unsuccessful

3.1 A senior student (S2, S3, S4 or year 2 for year students) who fails to obtain

at least 50% of the cred its for the particular level at the end of the semester

/ year may continue with studies in the particular programme in the same

field of study in the subsequent / next semester / year provided that:

a. the student registers only for the failed credits;

b. the student passes 100% of the required credits for the particular

level; and

c. the student has not already signed two warnings for unsatisfactory

academic progress.

3.2 The student described in 3.1 above further has to sign a warning for

unsatisfactory academic progress as follows:

a. if the student has already signed one warning, the student will sign a

second and final warning,

General Prospectus

77

b. if a student has never signed a warning, the student will sign a first

warning which will be accompanied by compulsory academic or

counselling support.

3.3 If the student described in 3.1 above fails to satisfy the conditions as

outlined in 3.1(b), 3.1(c) and 3.2, the student will not be allowed to

continue with her / his stud ies at the University.

4. Senior Student (S2, S3, S4 or year 2 for year students): Promoted to next

level of study

4.1 If a senior student (S2, S3, S4 or year 2 for year students) has passed 50%

and above of the enrolled cred its for a semester / year, the student may

register for the outstanding subjects / modules (subjects / modules

completed unsuccessfully) and the subjects prescribed for the next level

provided that prerequisites are adhered to and subject / module

combinations can be accommodated on the class time table and the

examination time table. Such a student must pass all the outstanding

modules / subjects / cred its from the previous academic semester / year

before they may be admitted into the next level, and must sign a warning

to that effect.

4.2 If a student described in 4.1 fails to complete the outstanding cred its by

the end of the historical semester, admission to the programme will be

denied . Such a student will be referred to the Department of Learning

Support. However, if the student successfully completed all the

outstanding subjects / modu les during the following semester / year, the

student will be admitted to the next level.

5. Senior Student (S5, S6, P1, P2 or year 3 for year students)

A senior student (S5, S6, P1, P2 or year 3 for year students) who does not

pass all of the prescribed cred its for the programme during the semester /

year of registration will be warned regard ing the maximum permissible

periods for the existing qualifications as outlined below. Such a student

will sign a formal warning to this effect.

General Prospectus

78

6. Period of study

6.1 Maximum permissible periods for existing qualifications:

National Higher Certificate = In total 4 years of study

National Diploma = In total 6 years of study

(includ ing WIL)

BTech Degree (3 + 1) = In total 8 years of study

BTech Degree (4th year only) = In total 2 years of study

MTech Degree = In total 4 years of study

DTech Degree = In total 6 years of study

6.2 If a student fails to comply with the above mentioned requirements, such

a student will not be allowed to continue his / her stud ies.

7. A student will be refused admission to continue with stud ies and

residential accommodation, if fees are overdue.

8. The continuation of stud ies may be applied on the enforcement of the Vaal

University of Technology Code of Conduct on a student who fails to abide

by the norms and codes of the institution.

9. Admission and the continuation of stud ies are subjected to the

requirements as prescribed in the prospectuses of the departments in the

faculties.

10. The acceptance of students from other institutions to continue stud ies is

subject to all of the conditions as contained in this policy includ ing

conditions as set out in the Admissions Policy of the University.

11. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can also be applied where applicable.

12. Where exceptional circumstances prevail, ad -hoc cases will be referred to

the Executive Deans to be dealt with at their d iscretion within the

fundamental principles of the policy.

Approved by Senate on 17/ 11/ 2006

Revised and Approved by Senate on 08/ 09/ 2008

General Prospectus

79

13.5 Assessments Regulations

1 TERMINOLOGY

1.1

Senate

The official academic body constituted in terms of the VUT Act

and Statute.

1.2 Senex

The executive committee of Senate.

The executive committee of Senate

1.3 Assessment Committee

The committee appointed by the Senate to deal with assessment

matters.

1.4 Assessment Officer

The Deputy Registrar Dep artment Assessment (Main Campus)

Head Administration (Satellite Campuses)

2 APPROVAL

2.1

All assessment regulations and procedures in connection with

assessment events shall be approved by Senate.

3 COMMENCEMENT

3.1

The date on which the assessment regulations come into effect is

determined by Senate.

3.2

This revised set of regulations and procedures is effective from

January 2005.

4 TYPES OF ASSESSMENT

4.1

Summative assessment at the end of a module (Also see section B -

15).

4.1.1 Main assessment events are those events that occur at the

completion of a module / s.

4.1.2 The method of assessment as described in 4.1.1 will be determined

by the assessment criteria and can include a variety of assessment

General Prospectus

80

methods as described in the learning guide for the particular

module.

4.2

Re-assessment opportunities (Also see 22)

4.2.1 Re-writes (under the previous assessment system) shall be allowed

until modularisation and the continuous assessment (CASS) policy,

are fully implemented on all HEQF levels.

4.2.2 A supplementary assessment is an additional assessment that

supplements the preced ing main assessment. Supplementary

assessments will be scheduled soon after the relevant main

assessment during the same term as the main assessment as was

approved by Senate on 17 November 2006.

4.2.3 A re-assessment opportunity (in line with the CASS policy), is a

final opportunity to be assessed on outcomes not achieved yet and

will be implemented in accordance with the CASS policy. The

assessment strategy outlined in the learning guide will describe the

re-assessment opportunities per module.

4.3 Additional assessment opportunities

4.3.1 Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted to a

special assessment event (see 10).

5 APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF ASSESSORS AND

MODERATORS

5.1

Appointment of assessors

5.1.1 Assessors are appointed by Senex on recommendation of the Dean

concerned and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and these

appointees are considered to be the assessors for specific modules.

Appointments are valid for one year only.

5.1.2 Replacement of assessors are made by the Dean concerned and the

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and submitted to Senex for

approval.

5.2 Duties of assessors when setting a question paper

5.2.1 The assessor drafts the question paper and marking guide lines /

memorandum for the various modules, to the satisfaction of the

moderator.

The assessor shall set all question papers to an acceptable standard

accord ing to the prescribed syllabus / outcomes and learning

guides.

General Prospectus

81

5.2.2 The assessor in collaboration with the assessment centre, shall have

the module question paper and memorandum / marking

guidelines moderated to the satisfaction of the Deputy Registrar

examinations. Each moderated question paper shall be signed by

both the assessor and the moderator. These signatures will

ind icate that the question paper has been approved for use for that

particular assessment event.

5.2.3 The assessor shall hand in the question papers for terminating

modules at the assessment office, from where it w ill be d istributed

to the relevant external moderators.

5.2.4 The assessor shall use the prescribed standard front page when

drawing up memoranda.

5.2.5 The assessor and moderator shall ensure strict confidentiality at all

times.

5.2.6 The assessor shall ensure that all question papers and memoranda

clearly ind icate the marks to be awarded per question and per sub-

section as well as the total number of marks for the question paper.

If question papers are d ivided into sub-sections, the number of

questions that candidates should answer in each sub-section shall

be ind icated just below the heading of the sub-section.

In the case of CASS re-assessment events and for re-assessment

events, the sub-sections should be clearly d istinguishable to afford

the candidate the opportunity of completing only those sub-

sections for which the outcomes have not yet been reached .

5.2.7 The assessor shall set all question papers (exclud ing language

question papers) in English only, except for satellite campuses,

where papers may be set in (or translated by the Satellite campuses

into) a language as prescribed by the language policy of the

satellite campus in question.

5.2.8 The assessor shall carefully consider the time factor involved in

answering a question paper.

5.2.9 The assessor shall ensure that the following information appears

on the front page of each question paper

Name and level of module (e.g. Physics II)

Internal code of the subject or module (e.g. APFSA2B)

Instructional programme into which the module falls (e.g. N.D.

Chemical Engineering)

The assessor shall ensure that a list of all material which is

permissible for the answering of the question paper is ind icated

on the question paper, e.g. pocket calculators are allowed (type

of calculator shall be specified); graph paper: (type shall be

specified); d rawing tables, etc. Should the syllabus prescribe

General Prospectus

82

the development of programmes for use in the assessment

event, or the use of standard programmes in the assessment, the

use of a fully programmable calculator should be clearly

ind icated in the list of requirements. Should students be

required to supply certain items themselves, this information

shall be conveyed to the students at least two weeks before the

date of the assessment.

The assessor shall ensure that instructions are clearly stated to

prevent any misinterpretation, e.g. "answer any six qu estions",

or "answer all the questions".

The assessor shall ensure that appendices or supplements to a

question paper e.g. tables, sketches, answer sheets are ind icated

at the beginning of each question paper with clear reference to

which questions they ap ply.

5.3 Duties of assessors when marking scripts

5.3.1 The assessor receives the scripts together with the necessary

memoranda from the assessment office and checks the number of

scripts received and the assessment numbers. The assessor is

responsible for the allotment of answer scripts to the various co-

assessors for marking.

5.3.2 The assessors shall timeously hold d iscussions and issue

instructions to co-assessors regard ing the interpretation and

award ing of marks accord ing to the memorandum. The

d iscussions should take place as soon as the co-assessors receive

the allotted question papers and memoranda.

5.3.3

The assessor shall ensure that marks are awarded accord ing to the

marking guide lines / memorandum. As far as possible, marking

guidelines / memoranda should make provision for a variety of

d ifferent answers.

5.3.4 The assessor shall ensure that the marking by co-assessors is of the

same standard as those scripts marked by the assessors. To

achieve this, the assessor shall check at least 10% (ten percent) of

the scripts which have been marked by the co-assessor.

5.3.5 The assessor shall award marks for every section of the question.

These marks shall be ind icated in the right-hand margin of the

answer script.

5.3.6 The total marks for the question shall be recorded and encircled

next to the question number. The total marks for each question

shall be recorded on the space provided on the back cover of the

answer script.

General Prospectus

83

5.3.7 Should an assessor not award any marks for a specific question or

part thereof, he / she shall ind icate that by means of a 0 and also

record it on the space provided on the back cover of the answer

script.

5.3.8 Should a question not have been answered at all, the assessor shall

record a X next to the question number on the back cover of the

answer script.

5.3.9 After marking, the total mark shall be calculated and recorded on

the back cover of the answer script. This mark should now be

converted , on the back cover, to the appropriate exam mark.

5.3.10 The assessor shall use a red pen.

5.3.11 The assessor shall mark all the questions that have been answered.

If a candidate has answered more than the required number of

questions, the assessor shall mark the requisite number of

questions as originally ind icated on the question paper, the choice

of which at the d iscretion of the assessor.

5.3.12 The assessor shall complete and sign the required report and mark

/ invigilator‟s list, which shall be handed in together with the

answer scripts at the assessment office.

5.4 Appointment and duties of co-assessors

5.4.1 Full-time and part-time lecturers of a module, with the exception

of the moderator of the module, may be appointed as co-assessors.

5.4.2 The assessor shall, in all cases, cross check the answer scripts as

marked by each co-assessor as per 5.3.1 above. Cross checking

should be done in a colour other than green or red.

5.4.3 The duties of the co-assessors are the same as those of the assessor

as detailed in 5.3.

5.5 Appointment of moderators

5.5.1 Moderators are appointed by Senex on recommendation of the

Dean and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic. Appointments

are valid for one year.

5.5.2 Replacements of moderators are made by the Dean concerned and

the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic and submitted to Senex for

approval.

5.5.3

Moderators for terminating modules should be competent subject

experts who are not members of staff. Should no suitable person

be available, Senex may appoint a member of staff as moderator on

the recommendation of the relevant Dean. However, if the

examiner is a subject expert, who is not a member of staff, the

moderator can be a staff member.

General Prospectus

84

5.5.4 Moderators for non-terminating modules may be full-time or part-

time lecturers and / or other competent persons.

5.5.5 For supplementary examinations of terminating modules, the

examination paper will be externally moderated but the scripts

should be internally moderated .

5.6 Duties of a moderator when moderating question papers and

memoranda

5.6.1 The moderator shall be satisfied that the assessor has strictly

abided by the prescribed rules. (See 5.2). The moderator is

ultimately responsible for the following:

that the standard of the questions are acceptable;

that questions cover the entire syllabus;

that the award ing of marks is fair and acceptable;

that the time factor has been carefully considered ;

that there is no gross repetition from previous assessment and

test question papers; and

that the use and standard of language is correct.

5.6.2 The moderator shall sign both the cover pages of the question

paper and the memorandum / marking guidelines which will

ind icate that they are suitable for use.

5.7 Duties of moderator when moderating an answer script

5.7.1

The moderator shall check those answer scripts which have been

submitted to him / her

and shall ensure that:

all regulations regard ing the marking of the question paper

have been adhered to;

the award ing of marks has been fair and that a consistent

standard has been maintained throughout;

no addition or calculation errors have been made;

borderline cases have been carefully re-considered ;

all the moderated scripts are signed .

5.7.2 Should a moderator recommend a mark ad justment, it should be

clearly specified and motivated , e.g. increase / decrease all

candidates' assessment marks by X, etc. The ad justment should be

approved by the Assessment Committee.

5.7.3 The moderator is responsible for the re-mark of an answer script

after a candidate's application for a re-mark has been approved by

the Assessment Office.

5.7.4 The moderator shall use a green pen to moderate.

General Prospectus

85

5.7.5 The moderator shall complete the prescribed moderator's report

and hand it in at the assessments office together with the

moderated answer scripts.

5.8 Amendments by the moderator

5.8.1 Should a moderator not be satisfied with the question paper or the

marking guide / memorandum, amendments shall be d iscussed

with the assessor and after consensus has been reached , changes

can be made.

Should consensus not be reached , the matter shall be taken up with

the Head of the Department and the Dean for settlement. If

settlement is still not reached, it shall be referred to the Deputy

Vice-Chancellor: Academic.

5.9 Selecting of answer scripts for moderation:

5.9.1 The Assessments Office will select ten percent (10%) of all marked

scripts per module, includ ing those marked by co-assessors, for

moderation.

5.9.2 Should 20 or fewer candidates have written the particular module,

all the scrip ts are submitted for moderation.

6 ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE

6.1

Faculty Assessments Committees

Each faculty should set up a faculty assessment committee the

composition of which should be decided by the faculty board .

6.1.1 Faculty Assessment Committees shall deal with all matters relating

to assessment, such as:

control of question papers, memoranda and assessment

timetable

admission to assessments (where applicable)

irregularities and d isciplinary measures

monitoring and ad justment of results

approval of results

release and publication of results

all other matters which are referred to the assessments

committee

medical certificates

Continuation of Stud ies policy

6.1.2 Each faculty assessment committee will report on/ make

recommendation regard ing the issues listed above to the central

assessment committee as d iscussed in 6.2 below.

General Prospectus

86

6.2 Central Assessment Committee

A Central Assessment Committee is a subcommittee of Senate

dealing with all assessment matters.

6.3 Minutes

6.3.1 Minutes of all decisions of the committee shall be kept by the

Deputy Registrar: Assessment.

6.4 Operation

6.4.1 The Assessment Committee shall meet at least once at the

conclusion of each main assessment session in order to deal with

matters which have been referred to them.

6.4.2

During assessments sessions, day-to-day matters are handled by

the management committee, on the understanding that all

decisions taken by the management committee will be presented to

the Assessment Committee for authorisation and that such

decisions are added to the minutes of the Assessment Committee

as appendices.

6.5 Assessments Committee

6.5.1 Assessments Committee is selected by Senate.

6.5.1.1 The Assessments Commit t ee:

Chairperson Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic

Secretary Secretary : Assessment Department

Members Registrar: Academic

Deans of Faculties

Directors of Satellite Campuses

Deputy Registrar: Assessment

6.5.1.2 Execut ive Assessments Commit tee:

Chairperson Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic

Secretary Deputy Registrar: Assessment

Member Relevant – Dean

6.5.1.3 Faculty Assessment Commit t ee:

Chairperson Executive Dean

Secretary Administrator of the Faculty

Members Faculty Academic officers of the Faculty

Heads of Department in the faculty

The Faculty Assessment Committee is a stand ing committee. All

border cases will be considered by this committee.

General Prospectus

87

6.6 Assessments Disciplinary Committees

6.6.1 The following Assessment Disciplinary Committees shall be

included in the Code of Conduct for Students:

6.6.1.1 Main Campus: Assessments Disciplinary Commit tee:

Chairperson/Presiding officer Registrar: Academic

Member one Relevant Academic HOD

Member two One SRC member: Faculty

representative

Member three University‟s Legal Expert

Complainant Deputy Registrar: Assessment

Secretary/scribe Provided by the Assessments

Department

6.6.1.2 Satellite Campuses: Assessments Disciplinary Commit tee:

Chairperson/Presiding officer Faculty co-ord inator / Head Academic

Member one Relevant Academic HOD / subject head

Member two One SRC member : Faculty / academic

representative

Complainant Head : Administration

Secretary/scribe Provided by the Assessment Department

6.6.1.3 Main Campus: Assessments Appeal Commit tee:

Chairperson/Presiding officer Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic

Member one Relevant Academic Dean

Member two One SRC member: Academic Co-

ord inator from main campus


Secretary/scribe Provided by the Assessments

Department

6.6.1.4 Satellite Campus: Assessment s Appeal Commit tee:

Chairperson Campus Director

Member one Relevant Head of Department

Member two One SRC member who d id not serve on

the DC Hearing


Secretary/scribe Provided by the Assessments Department

6.7

Management Committee

6.7.1 Chairperson/Presiding officer Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic

Member one Deputy Registrar: Assessment

Member two Relevant Dean

General Prospectus

88

7 OBTAINING A QUALIFICATION

7.1

A candidate obtains a qualification as soon as he / she has met all

the requirements, as stipulated in HEQF. Where a work integrated

learning component is prescribed , this should have been

successfully completed .

7.2 A final year student, who only requires one module to obtain a

qualification, will automatically qualify for a supplementary

assessment, PROVIDED that supplementary assessment is

scheduled for the module.

7.3 Pass with d istinction:

7.4 N Diploma and B Tech qualifications may be awarded Cum Laude

if the candidate obtains an average of 75% in all the subjects of the

qualification includ ing the final level subjects at the first attempt.

7.5 M Tech may be awarded Cum Laude to the candidate in respect of:

Subject and dissertation option: passes all the subjects with an

average of 75% and passes the d issertation with 75%.

Dissertation only: obtains a mark of 75% or more.

7.6 D-Tech is not awarded Cum Laude. It is only ind icated that the

candidate passed or failed .

8

RECOGNITIONS AND EXEMPTIONS (REFER to RPL policy)

8.1

Completed qualification:

8.2 Not more than 50% of the completed qualification's modules can

be exempted in respect of another incomplete qualification.

8.3 Incomplete qualifications:

8.3.1 No restriction is placed on the number of module exemptions /

recognitions in respect of another qualification provided that at

least 50% of the subjects, are passed at the VUT.

General Prospectus

89

9

ASSESSMENT OF THESES/DISSERTATIONS AS FULL OR

PARTIAL COMPLETION OF M. TECH AND D. TECH

9.1

Initiation of the examination process:

9.1.1 The supervisor must sign a declaration that the thesis is ready for

examination. Attached to this declaration by the supervisor, must

be a completed mark sheet with a proposed / expected mark plus

additional comments on the thesis, just as an examiner would .

9.1.2 In the event of a significant d iscrepancy in marks between the

supervisor and examiners, the EXCO of the Faculty Board should

use its d iscretion in allocating a mark or initiating re-examination.

9.1.3 The purpose of this is to ensure that there is due quality control on

a thesis before it is subjected to external examination, and to give

experience in thesis examination to our staff.

9.1.4 In the event of the absence of the supervisor or of a d ispu te

between the student and the supervisor, a student can approach

the Head of Department and / or Faculty Dean with the request

that the thesis / d issertation be examined . Final approval for

examination in these cases, shall reside with the Exco of the Faculty

Board .

9.2 Number of examiners:

9.2.1 Assessment of full and partial MTech d issertations shall be done

by two examiners of which at least one must be external. The

supervisor cannot be an Examiner

9.2.2 Assessment of a DTech thesis shall be done by three examiners of

which at least two must be external. One of the external examiners

should preferably be from a reputable academic institution outside

South Africa. The promoter cannot be an examiner.

9.3 Identification of, approval of, and correspondence with examiners:

9.3.1 The proposed examiners for each thesis / d issertation shall be

identified by the relevant academic Head of Department in

consultation with the supervisor/ promoter where feasible, for

approval by the Exco of the Faculty Board (and Senex).

9.3.2

All correspondence with the examiners shall be done through the

office of the academic Head of Department.

General Prospectus

90

9.4 Qualifications of supervisors / promoters and assessors:

9.4.1 Supervisors / promoters and assessors should be in possession of a

qualification at least equivalent to or preferably higher than that of

the candidate. Should a supervisor / promoter or assessor not

possess an equivalent or higher qualification, it should be

established that such a person possesses the necessary specialised

knowledge and experience in the field of study concerned .

9.5 Pass and Failure

9.5.1 A candidate passes when all members of the assessments panel

award a mark of 50% or more for a MTech calculating the average

of all the marks awarded by the members of the assessments panel.

A „pass’ is required in case of a DTech

9.5.2 Should one of the members of the panel fail the d issertation /

thesis, an additional external assessor shall be appointed to remark

the d issertation / thesis. This assessor shall be identified by the

academic Head of Department and approved by Exco of the

Faculty Board . Should this assessor award a pass mark, the

candidate shall pass but should a fail be given, the candidate shall

fail.

9.6 A candidate's final mark is calculated as follows:

9.6.1 Masters Degree: For a pass the arithmetical average of the

allocated marks is calculated. For a failure no final mark is

calculated, it is only indicated that the candidate has failed.

9.6.2 Doctoral Degree: No final mark is calculated. It is only indicated

that the candidate passed or failed.

9.6.3 Should two or more members of the assessments panel fail the

candidate, the candidate fails, and no final mark is calculated , it is

only ind icated that the candidate has failed .

9.6.4 The final examination marks shall be submitted to Exco of the

Faculty Board for final approval and Senex for and ratification.

10 SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

10.1

Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted to a

special assessment p rovided that a written request, supported by

the necessary documentation, shall be submitted to the

assessments office within seven (7) days after the original date of

the main assessment.

General Prospectus

91

10.2 In the case of illness, a valid medical certificate shall accompany

the student's request provided that the Assessments Office

reserves the right to obtain further information to authenticate

such illness.

10.3 All special assessments shall be written during the time slots

scheduled for supplemental events.

10.4 No special assessments shall be granted in lieu of re-assessment

events.

10.5 Acceptable reasons for admission to a special assessment:

10.5.1 Serious illness or injury during the official assessment sessions.

10.5.2 Death of a first level blood relation member of the family. First

level refers to vertical and

horizontal relation e.g. father, mother, child , brother / sister. Valid

documentation should be submitted .

10.5.3 Problems that may occur due to the University au thorities

postponing the official assessment sessions as a result of

unforeseen circumstances.

10.5.4 Exceptional cases will be considered on merit.

10.6

Reasons that are unacceptable for admission to a special

assessment:

Overseas visits / tours

Sports appointments / engagements except where the

candidate will represent South Africa

Attendance of meetings, symposiums or any other gatherings

Special holiday arrangements

Misinterpretation of the assessment time-table.

11 EXTENDING THE NORMAL TIME ALLOWED FOR THE

ANSWERING OF A QUESTION PAPER

11.1

Extension of time may be considered on the grounds of temporary

or permanent d isability.

General Prospectus

92

11.2 When granting additional time the following procedures shall be

followed:

Candidates shall apply in writing to the relevant faculty at least

three weeks in advance.

The Faculty shall return the application, together with their

recommendation, to the Director of the Bureau for Student

Counselling.

The Bureau for Student Counselling should undertake the

necessary investigation, make its recommendation and send all

the documentation to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic

for the attention of the Assessments Committee.

The Assessments Committee, or its delegate, decides on the

length of the extension and sends all the documentation to the

assessments office.

The assessments office notifies the candidate and the relevant

Faculty.

Additional time is allowed at the end of the assessment session.

In exceptional cases a candidate may be permitted to take an

oral assessment.

12 IRREGULARITIES DURING ASSESSMENTS AND CLASS

TESTS

12.1

Irregularities

12.1.1 Any student who takes into the venue, or has in his / her

possession or has on his / her person after the question paper has

been handed out, any book, memorandum, note, sketch, map, film,

programmable calculator, non-permissible material or any other

document other than his / her admission pass, unless authorised

by the assessment rules or specified by a requirement in a

particular question paper.

12.1.2 Any student who assists or attempts to assist another candidate,

obtains or attempts to obtain help, or communicates or attempts to

communicate with another person other than the invigilator while

in the assessment room.

12.1.3 Any student who falsely represents him / herself as being a

specific candidate for an assessment.

12.1.4 Any student who creates a d isturbance in the assessments room or

behaves in an improper or an unseemly manner and refuses to

stop such d isturbance or improper unseemly behaviour after he /

she has been warned by the invigilator.

General Prospectus

93

12.1.5 Any student who d isregards the instructions of the invigilator

concerned and , after he / she has been warned by the invigilator,

continues to d isregard such instructions.

13

PROCEDURES FOLLOWING ASSESSMENT

IRREGULARITIES

13.1

Steps to be taken by the invigilator following an assessment

irregularity:

13.1.1 The invigilator confiscates the relevant answer script(s) and all

other unauthorised material.

13.1.2 The invigilator endorses the confiscated answer script on the

outside of the cover with the words “answer script confiscated at

… (time).”

13.1.3 The invigilator supplies the candidate with a new answer script

and endorses it on the outside of the cover with the words “new

answer script issued at …. (time).”

13.1.4 The invigilator contacts the Assessments Officer immediately after

an assessment irregularity occurred .

13.1.5 The invigilator ensures the student who committed the alleged

irregularity, does not leave the assessment venue until the

assessment session comes to an end .

13.1.6 The invigilator ensures that the student who committed the alleged

irregularity reports to the Assessments Officer.

13.1.7 The invigilator submits a report and relevant evidence on the

irregularity to the Assessment Officer.

13.1.8 The invigilator confiscates the answer script of a candidate who,

after due warning, continues causing a d isturbance or persists in

contravening any other assessment regulation.

13.1.9 The invigilator expels a candidate from the assessment room who,

after due warning, continues causing a d isturbance or persists in

contravening any assessment regulation and see that student

reports to the assessments department.

13.2 Duties of the Assessment Officer following an assessment

irregularity

13.2.1 The date for d isciplinary hearings should be set at the end of the

assessment session.

13.2.2 The Assessment officer should attend to an assessment irregularity

as soon as possible after the irregularity has occurred .

13.2.3 The Assessment officer shall ascertain that the correct procedure

has been followed in the handling of the irregularity.

General Prospectus

94

13.2.4 The Assessment officer / Head of Administration at Satellite

Campuses acts as the complainant in the d isciplinary hearings

regard ing assessment irregularities. The complainant shall ensure

that the following tasks are executed :

13.2.5 The student who reports to the Assessments Officer in terms of

9.1.6 may freely and voluntarily give a statement to the

Assessments Officer regard ing the alleged misconduct. The

student shall be warned in writing that such a statement may be

used as evidence against him / her and the student shall sign such

a warning if willing to make a statement.

13.2.6 The student shall be informed of the charge and the student shall

acknowledge receipt of the notification of the charge.

13.2.7 The student shall be informed of his / her rights.

13.2.8 The student shall be informed of the day, time and venue of a

d isciplinary hearing to be held and the student shall acknowledge

receipt of the notification thereof.

13.2.9 The student shall be informed that absence from a scheduled

d isciplinary hearing does not prevent a d isciplinary hearing from

taking place.

13.2.10 The student shall be informed that he / she may sit for further

assessments in the present assessment session but, if found guilty

on the charge of committing an irregularity, these further

assessments will be declared null and void .

13.2.11 The Assessments Officer shall inform the disciplinary committee of

the day, time and venue of a disciplinary hearing.

13.2.12 The Assessments Officer shall arrange for a venue.

13.2.13 The Assessments Officer shall arrange for a minutes clerk /

secretary to record the proceedings of the hearing.

13.2.14 The Assessments Officer shall report all irregularities to the

Assessments Committee.

13.3 Penalties for irregularities during summative events

13.3.1 If found guilty, the student will be suspended from the University

for a minimum period of 12 months as from the day of the

irregularity. He / she may not register for any module, or write

any other assessment for the entire duration of his / her

suspension.

13.3.2 The assessment in the relevant subject and remaining subjects in

the assessment period after occurrence of the irregularity will be

considered null and void . The student retains all subject cred its

accrued up to the date when the irregularity occurred.

13.3.3 An assessment irregularity code will be included on the student‟s

statement of results.

General Prospectus

95

13.3.4 The University retains the right to provide information on

suspension to outside parties.

13.4 Irregularities during formative events / class tests

13.4.1 The procedure pertaining to irregularities during formative events

/ class tests is the same as stated in the procedure for irregular ities

during assessment.

13.4.2 In the case of an irregularity during a class test the penalties will

be:

The stud ies in the relevant subject / module will be suspended

for the study period concerned .

The year mark in the relevant subject will be declared null and

void .

The student will only be allowed to enrol / register for the

subject / module in the following semester / year to attain a

new year / semester mark.

14 INVIGILATION

14.1

Invigilators shall carry identification cards.

14.2 One (1) invigilator is appointed for every 40 candidates.

14.3 The invigilator shall collect the following from the assessments

office, ensuring that sufficient time has been allowed to carry out

all the instructions.

The sealed envelope containing the question papers for each

session for each particular venue. On collecting the sealed

envelope, the invigilator should be satisfied that the envelope

has not been opened or tampered with. Should any irregularity

be suspected , it shall immediately be brought to the at tention of

the Assessments Officer. The Assessments Officer in

conjunction with the Assessments Committee will decide on a

plan of action.

The correct number and type of assessment answer scripts and

other material required for each assessment.

The invigilator's lists and other control material required.

14.4 Invigilators shall be in the assessment room at least 30 minutes

before the beginning of an assessment session.

General Prospectus

96

14.5 Before candidates are permitted to enter the assessment room, the

invigilator shall ensure that all cell phones, figures, envelopes,

d rawings, notes and other material that could possibly be relevant

to the particular module, have been removed from the assessment

room. He / she shall also ensure that no such materials, books or

papers are in or on the tables in the assessment room.

14.6 When admitting candidates to an assessment room, invigilators

shall ensure that candidates are seated far enough away from each

other so that it is not possible for one candidate to copy the work of

another, or in any way communicate with another candidate. The

invigilator shall be able to see each candidate. As far as practically

possible, candidates should be seated at least one (1) meter from

each other. In cases where more than one module ar e being

written in the same room the groups shall be d ispersed so that two

candidates writing the same module are not placed next to one

another.

14.7 Candidates shall be seated 15 (fifteen) minutes before an

assessment commences, and may not leave the assessment room

within one (1) hour of the commencement of the assessments and

also not during the last 15 minutes of the session. Should a

candidate be compelled to temporarily leave the assessment room

for any personal reason, he / she could only do so under

supervision.

14.8

A candidate may be permitted to enter an assessment room after

commencement of the assessment session under the following

conditions:

Only during the first hour of the relevant assessment session.

The candidate will only be permitted to u tilise the remaining

time of that particular session to answer questions.

14.9 In order to be admitted to the assessments, each candidate shall

present his / her proof of admission to that particular assessment

as well as proof of identity to the satisfaction of the invigilator.

Proof of identity should preferably be an identity document or a

student card . A driver's license or passport is also acceptable.

Should a candidate not have any of the above-mentioned

documents, that person will only be admitted to the assessment on

the recommendation of the Assessments Officer, who will ensure

that the candidate is identified .

General Prospectus

97

14.10 Only candidates registered for a particular assessment, the

invigilator concerned , the Assessments Officer or persons

authorised by the Assessments Office may be present in an

assessments room during an assessment. The Assessor and

Moderator who are conducting an oral assessment or the reader of

a speed test may also be present for the time it takes to perform

their duties.

14.11 Additions may be ind icated on the invigilator's list by the

invigilator.

14.12 All unauthorised persons shall leave the assessment room before

the envelope is opened . After candidates have been seated the

invigilator shall make the followin g announcements:

The modules which are to be examined .

Request candidates not writing those particular modules to

leave the room.

No candidate may have unauthorised material or notes in their

possession.

No candidate may leave the assessment room within on e (1)

hour of the commencement of the assessment and also not

during the last 15 minutes of the session.

No assessment answer scripts, used or unused , may be

removed from the assessment room.

Candidates may, in no way whatsoever, communicate with one

another.

Answers should be written with a blue or black ink pen or in

any medium as specified in a particular question paper e.g.

pencil for sketches or d rawings, etc. Should an assessor not

allow questions to be answered in pencil, this rule shall clearly

be stated in the instructions on the question paper.

All information should be correctly filled in as instructed on the

cover of the answer scripts or file.

Should more than one answer script be used , the cover of the

final and any additional answering books should be correctly

and completely filled in and the additional answer script should

be placed inside the back cover of the first answer script.

Any request to communicate with the invigilator should be

ind icated by raising a hand .

Any errata and changes to question papers as instructed by the

Assessments Officer.

General Prospectus

98

14.13 Sealed envelopes containing question papers shall be opened in the

presence of candidates, after all candidates have been seated and

supplied with the necessary assessment material. Question papers

are then handed out with the cover uppermost. Candidates are

instructed not to begin until all candidates have received their

question papers, at which time all question papers shall be opened

simultaneously.

14.14 Invigilators may give no explanations of assessment questions.

14.15 Invigilators shall ensure that no d isruptions are caused and that no

candidate attempts to get assistance from another candidate or

attempts to communicate with another candidate or any other

person with the exception of the invigilator / s.

14.16 Unless otherwise stated for a particular assessment, invigilators

shall check that no candidate has in his / her possession, and for

the duration of the assessment, any books, memoran da, notes,

charts, maps, figures, photos, documents or papers (includ ing

blank paper) of any kind , or any aids relevant to the module being

examined except aids which have been supplied and proof of

admission to the assessment. Pocket calculators and other

specified aids may be used unless an instruction forbidd ing their

use appears on the question paper. Papers are to specify clearly

which aids to be used .

14.17 If instructions are not followed or if a candidate commits an act

which is considered to afford an unfair advantage, that candidate

is guilty of an offence. (See 8).

14.18 All assessment aids and answer scripts which have been handed

out shall be collected before a candidate may leave the assessment

room.

14.19 Duties during assessment sessions:

During an assessment the invigilator shall devote his / her

entire attention to supervision and he / she shall particularly

ensure that the candidates comply with the assessment

regulations.

He / she shall not spend his / her time sitting or standing in

one place or alongside any one candidate, but shall move about

continually in the assessment room without d isturbing the

candidates.

General Prospectus

99

It is important that candidates should not be given the

impression that there are opportunities for contravening the

regulations as a result of a lack of vigilance on the part of

invigilator.

Where there is only one invigilator, he / she may leave the

assessment room only in exceptional circumstances, and then

only when his / her place has been taken by another invigilator.

An invigilator may not leave the assessment room during

assessments in order to take refreshments unless he / she has

been relieved by another invigilator.

Additional answer scripts and other stationery may be supplied

to a candidate, bu t the invigilator shall first ascertain that the

additional material is necessary and shall make a note on the

invigilator's report against the assessment number of the candi-

date to whom more than one answering book has been given in

order to ensure that the candidate has handed in all the answer

scrip ts that were issued.

In the case of a confirmed fire or bomb scare that specific exam

session is immediately cancelled and the University evacuation

procedure would be followed.

14.20

An invigilator may not:

Reply to any question by a candidate that may lead to an

explanation of the assessment question.

Effect an amendment to a question paper without the prior

consent of the Assessments Officer.

Act in such a manner that he / she d isturbs the candidates.

Give a copy of any assessment question paper to an yone except

a candidate before that particular assessment has been

concluded .

General Prospectus

100

SECTION B: SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT AT THE END OF A MODULE

15

ADMISSION TO ASSESSMENT

15.1

Registration for all assessments takes place au tomatically when a

student registers for a module.

15.2 Year / semester marks

15.2.1 The final mark shall be calculated as prescribed in the syllabus of

a module (e.g. 50% or 60%) by the assessor before

commencement of the main exam.

15.2.2 Only candidates registered for modules at the Vaal University of

Technology for that particular year or semester will be granted

admission to write main assessments.

15.2.3 A candidate can write the main exam on condition that the

candidate first meets the admission requirements of at least 50%

in the year / semester mark.

15.3 Main assessment

15.3.1 Only candidates registered for modules at the Vaal University of

Technology for that particular year or semester will be granted

admission to write main assessments.

15.4 Supplementary assessments

15.4.1

A student who has failed a subject in a main assessment may be

admitted to a supplementary assessment in that subject

provided that:

He / she has obtained a final mark (after moderation) within

the range 45F% to 48F%. (The symbol F9 states admission to

supplementary assessment)

Should the student pass a supplementary assessment, a final

mark of 50 % shall be awarded.

15.4.2 Only one supplemental assessment in a particular module shall

be permitted . Should a candidate fail a supplemental he / she

shall re-register for that particular module to obtain a new year /

semester mark.

16 CONDUCTING OF ASSESSMENT

16.1

Functions of Assessment Office (see assessment standard

operating procedures)

General Prospectus

101

16.1.1 The schedule for all sum mative events should reach the

assessment office within one month after commencement of

classes. The finalisation of schedules and administration of the

assessment function will be conducted by the examination office.

16.2

Preparation of assessment question papers

16.2.1 The assessments office hands the marked assessment answer

scripts, together with the necessary documentation to the

moderator, made up accord ing to the applicable schedule (5.9.1).

Internal moderators, i.e. moderators employed by the

University, collect the assessment answer scripts at the

assessments office and sign for them. Assessment answer scripts

are sent to external moderators by registered post / courier

services with a cover letter detailing the number of answer

scripts and the name of instructional offerings.

16.2.2 Moderators then perform their duties as prescribed in 5.8.

16.2.3 On completion of marking, moderators deliver assessment

answer scripts together with the necessary documentation, or

d ispatch them via registered post, to the assessments office of

the Vaal University of Technology.

17 PASS/FAIL

17.1

Pass:

A module is passed when a candidate obtains at least 50% or

more in the final mark, on condition that the candidate firstly

meets the admission requirements of at least 50% in the year

/ semester mark, and finally meets the sub-minimum

requirement of at least 40% in each paper in the module

concerned .

Should a candidate obtain 49% as a final mark it is published

as 50% provided the candidate meets the sub-minimum

requirements and the candidate is regarded as having passed

the module concerned.

17.2 Fail:

A module is failed if a candidate obtains less than 50% in the

final mark and does not qualify to pass accord ing to 17.1

Should a candidate obtain 50% or more as a final mark bu t

fails to meet the sub minimum requirements of 40% in the

assessment or question papers for the module concerned , the

candidate fails, and the final mark is published as e.g. "51

General Prospectus

102

FM" where FM ind icates that the candidate has failed to

obtain the sub-minimum in the module concerned.

17.3 Supplementary Assessments (See 15.5).

18

PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

18.1

After approval of the results by the Assessments Committee,

schedules of results are prepared , checked and published .

Candidates are notified in writing of their results, w ith

notification of the date on which supplementary assessments

will be held as well as the date of registration for supplementary

assessments where applicable.

19 RE-MARK / CHECKING OF ASSESSMENT ANSWER

SCRIPTS

19.1

Applications for a re-mark / checking of assessment answer

scripts shall be made on the prescribed form, and handed in,

together with the required fee, at the assessments office.

Applications for a re-mark shall be made within one (1) month

in the case of November assessments and fourteen (14) days in

the case of June assessments after the publication of results.

SECTION C: SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT AT THE END OF A LEARNING

UNIT

20 ADMISSION TO ASSESSMENT

20.1

Registration for all assessments takes place au tomatically when a

student registers for a module.

21

CONDUCTING OF ASSESSMENT

21.1

Functions of Assessments Office (see assessment standard

operating procedures)

21.1.1 The schedule for all summative events should reach the

assessment office with in one month after commencement of

classes. The finalisation of schedules and administration of the

General Prospectus

103

assessment function will be conducted by the assessment office.

21.1.2 A maximum of three summative events per module can be

administered by the assessmen t office.

21.1.3 Where a syllabus prescribes for full continuous assessment in a

module, summative events are scheduled at the completion of

learning units. A candidate should obtain a minimum mark of

50% for a summative event to pass that module.

21.1.4 The assessment office at the site of delivery will be responsible

for entering the results on ITS. Results from satellite campuses

will be moderated , returned to the satellite and results entered

by their assessment office.

21.1.5 If a candidate cannot write on a specific date, due to a religious

principle, written notification should be submitted to the

Department Assessment within 5 days after receiving the

schedule. The Department Assessment will refer this to the

assessor.

21.2 Preparation of assessment question papers

21.2.1 The assessments office hands the marked assessment answer

scripts, together with the necessary documentation to the

moderator, made up accord ing to the applicable schedule (5.9.1).

Internal moderators, i.e. moderators emp loyed by the

University, collect the assessment answer scripts at the

assessments office and sign for them. Assessment answer scripts

are sent to external moderators by registered post with a cover

letter detailing the number of answer scripts and the nam e of

instructional offerings.

21.2.2 Moderators then perform their duties as prescribed in 5.8.

21.2.3 On completion of marking, moderators deliver assessment

answer scripts together with the necessary documentation, or

d ispatch them via registered post, to the assessments office of

the Vaal University of Technology.

22 RE-ASSESSMENT

22.1

Re-assessment can be conducted during the main assessment or

be integrated into the module. The re-assessment should be

conducted in the semester of enrolment. N o re-assessment or

supplementary assessment is permissible thereafter.

22.2 For a theory module, re-assessment could be conducted at the

end of the module. Students should be assessed on outcomes

not achieved yet. Sections should be clearly indicated on the

question paper, as SECTION A, SECTION B or SECTION C. The

General Prospectus

104

assessment officer should receive a list ind icating which part

should be completed by a learner. These lists should be handed

to the examination office by the lecturer.

22.3 All learners w ill start writing at the start of the session.

22.4 The same regulations for invigilation apply as under Section 16.

22.5 The results of the re-assessment will replace the result of the

learning unit that the student is re-assessed on.

22.5.1 In the case of a special assessment the actual mark obtained by

the candidate will be the final mark.

22.5.2

A maximum of 50% can be obtained when writing a re-

assessment as a final chance.

23 PASS/FAIL

23.1

The lecturer / s that is offering a module w ill be granted access

permission to CALC their own results on ITS.

23.2 Pass:

A module is passed when a candidate obtains at least 50% in

all summative events and an average of at least 50% for the

final mark that may be compiled from formative and

summative events.

Should a candidate obtain 49% as a final mark it is published

as 50% provided the candidate meets the sub-minimum

requirements and the candidate is regarded as having passed

the module concerned.

23.3 Fail:

A module is failed if a candidate obtains less than 50% in any

summative event or does not obtain a final average of 50%.

Should a candidate obtain 50% or more as a final mark but

fails to meet the sub minimum requirements of 50% for all

summative events, the candidate fails, and the final mark is

published as e.g. "51 FM" where FM ind icates that the

candidate has failed to obtain the sub-minimum in the

module concerned .

Should a candidate fail any unit after re-assessment, the

student must re-register for the module during the next

semester

General Prospectus

105

23.4 Publication of results

23.4.1 After moderation, the results will be published by the

assessment office.

23.4.2 The students will ONLY be notified in writing at the end of the

module after approval of the results by the Assessments

Committee.

23.5 Record keeping

23.5.1 Based on the assessor‟s d iscretion and depending on the type of

assessment method , the assessor may decide whether

summative assessment scripts / assignments / reports be

d iscussed or shown to learners in class. They should however be

taken in for record keeping afterwards. (Refer to faculty

procedure).

23.5.2 If assessment scripts / assignments / reports were revealed , no

re-marking will be allowed to take place.

23.5.3 Scripts need to be kept at the assessment office for a period of

three years.

23.5.4 Unseen scripts may be subjected to a re-mark.

23.6 Re-mark/ checking of assessment answer scripts

23.6.1 Applications for a re-mark / checking of assessment answer

scripts shall be made on the prescribed form, and handed in,

together with the required fee, at the assessments office.

Applications for a re-mark shall be made within fourteen (14)

days after the publication of results.

24 ORAL EXAM

24.1

Names of students that qualify for an oral exam, shall be

submitted to head of the Department.

24.2

The date and time of the oral exam will be scheduled by the

head of Department.

24.3 Composition of the Assessment Committee:

24.3.1 The Assessment Committee will be made up of three faculty

members, one of which will be the Chairperson and one which

will be the Assessor and one which will be the moderator or a

subject expert. The student‟s assessor may not be the

chairperson of the committee.

General Prospectus

106

24.4 Role of the chair and assessment committee

24.4.1 It is the chairperson’s responsibility to find an assessment date

and time suitable for everyone, to reserve a room, and to send a

notice of the assessment‟s location, date, and time to all

participants.

24.4.2 It is the assessor’s responsibility to have appropriate stud ent

records on hand during the session (this must be done no later

than one week prior to the assessment date).

24.4.3 The questions and memorandum must be compiled by the

assessor and distributed to all committee members.

24.4.4 Evidence of student answ ers to be recorded by the assessor.

After leaving the venue, the answers will be evaluated and a

mark allocated .

24.4.5 The mark to be recorded on ITS as appropriate for the purpose

of the oral (special assessment or re-assessment).

SECTION D: STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

25

CONDUCTING OF ASSESSMENT:

25.1

Preparation of schedules:

25.1.1 After the closing date for registration and changes in

instructional offerings the following take place:

25.1.2 Assessment registration forms shall be checked and sorted

accord ing to faculties.

25.1.3 All forms shall be arranged alphabetically.

25.1.4 Assessment registrations shall be entered accord ing to the name

of the instructional offering. Thereafter invigilators' lists, as well

as proof of admission to assessment for each candidate shall be

printed .

25.1.5 Calculated Year / semester marks shall be printed on the

invigilator‟s lists.

25.2 Preparation of assessment papers:

25.2.1 Question papers and memoranda which have been approved

and signed by the assessor and moderator shall be handed in at

the assessment office. Receipt of all question papers and

memoranda is recorded in a register. Memoranda shall

immediately be put in safekeeping. They are not typed by

assessment officers. Question papers sh all be typed and then

proof-read by the examiner concerned . This proof-read ing takes

place in the assessment office. Under no circumstances may

typed question papers be removed from the assessment office.

General Prospectus

107

Where necessary, further proof-read ing will also be done by the

assessor. Question papers of terminating instructional offerings

will be sent to the external moderator by the assessment office,

after typing and proof-read ing.

25.2.2 After final proof-read ing, question papers are duplicated .

During duplication care shall be taken to ensure that question

papers are treated confidentially. All poorly printed copies shall

be shredded . Copies are destroyed and usable copies are sealed

and placed in the safe with a written declaration of the number

of copies made.

25.2.3 Handling of question papers during assessment

25.2.3.1 Question papers and answer scripts are sorted daily accord ing to

the invigilators' roster. Question papers are sorted per

examination room / hall and each instructional offering is sealed

in an envelope.

25.2.3.2 Sealed question papers are opened by the invigilator at the

beginning of each assessment session in the presence of the

candidates concerned . After opening the envelope the invigilator

hands out the question papers.

25.2.3.3 Question papers are placed with the front page, on which no

question appears, uppermost. Once all the candidates have

received their question papers and examination answer scripts,

the invigilator gives the instruction to begin. Invigilators shall

ensure that the commencement time corresponds with the

official timetable. Should it not be possible to start at the

specified time, this should be reported as soon as possible to the

examinations office staff who will ad just the time on the

timetable to that of the actual starting time of that particular

assessment session.

25.2.3.4 At the end of the session, invigilators shall check the answer

scripts against the invigilator's list. Answer scripts are then

handed in at the assessment office. A member of staff signs for

answer scripts and memoranda received .

26 CONTROL OF MARKED ANSWER SCRIPTS

26.1

After answer scripts have been marked by the assessors and have

been moderated by the moderators, they become the

responsibility of the assessment officer that will:

26.1.1 Check that all answer scripts have been returned .

26.1.2 Check that all answer scripts have been initialled by the assessor.

26.1.3 Check that all answer scripts sent to the moderator have been

initialled by the moderator.

General Prospectus

108

26.1.4 Check that all examiners' and moderators' reports have been

correctly completed and signed .

26.1.5 Go through all answer scripts and check that all answers have

been marked and marks allocated .

26.1.6 Check that the marks of all sub-d ivisions of questions have been

calculated correctly and carried over to the back page of the

answer scripts of file / folder.

26.1.7 Check additions and calculations on the back page as well as

their transfer to the cover page.

26.1.8 Check that year / semester marks have correctly been transferred

to the cover page.

26.1.9 Check that the year mark and final summative mark have been

correctly calculated into a final mark.

26.1.10 Check transfer of marks from answer scripts to invigilator's list.

26.1.11 Ensure that where the moderator has recommended an

ad justment of marks, the assessor, Head of Department and

moderator shall reach consensus and then submit to the Dean of

the Faculty, who will in turn submit for approval by the

assessment committee.

27

DESCRIPTION OF RESULT CODES

27.1

FF NONE FIN REASONS

F FAIL

FX FAIL ABSENT FROM EXAM

FN NONE NOT AVAILABLE

FM FAIL SUB MINIMUM

FA FAIL: NO ADMISSION TO EXAM

FK FAIL: IRREGULARITY

FI FAIL INCOMPLETE

F7 ADMISSION TO EXAM SPECIAL

F8 ADMISSION TO AEGROTAT EXAM

F9 ADMISSION TO SUPPLEMENTARY EXAM

P PASS

PD PASS WITH DISTINCTION

PE PASS EXEMPT / RECOGNITION

PR PASS REMARK

PZ EXP TRAINING COMPLETE

General Prospectus

109

13.6 Code of Student Conduct and Judiciaries

PREAMBLE

Student behaviour, both acad emic and non -academic, is governed by a sp ecific set

of written rules called the Code of Student Conduct.

These rules prohibits unethical practices such as cheating, plagiarism and double

submissions, as well as offences such as theft, vandalism, misuse of equipment,

supplies and documents, and harassment. Students accused of such offences are

entitled to a hearing before an impartial committee and are entitled to

representation by an advisor from within the University.

Vaal University of Technology expects all students to demonstrate qualities o f

integrity, honesty, civility and respect. These values are important to the

establishment and maintenance of a community where there is freedom to teach

and learn. However this is dependent upon the maintenance of appropriate sense

of order that allows for the pursuit of these objectives in an environment that is

both safe and free of invid ious d isruptions.

In the interest of maintaining civility on campus all students must comply with the

University‟s Code of Student Conduct, which reasonably limits som e activities and

prohibits certain behaviour which could interfere with the classroom sitting, the

orderly operation of the University, and the pursuit of the University goals and

core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, well-being, innovation and quality.

It is expected that the student conduct will be in concert with and supportive of the

University„s central purpose and core values.

Each student is responsible and has a duty to be acquainted with all provisions of

the Code. It is also presumed that every student, from the date of his / her initial

enrolment at the University, has knowledge of the Code, as well as, policies and

procedures contained in the Student Hand -book. All students are deemed to have

agreed to the provisions contained in the Code and are required to adhere to such

provisions as a condition of their enrolment as students of the University.

The University further recognises each student‟s procedural right to due process

and the audi alteram partem ru le, which includes providing notice setting forth the

alleged violation(s), and a speedy, fair hearing and appeal process, any member of

the University community can initiate accusation of an alleged violation.

General Prospectus

110

The Student Code of Conduct is available as a separate publication throu gh the

offices of Student Life Department and the office of the Student Facilitator Jud icial

and Training can help students understand the Code.

DEFINITIONS

Definitions provided elsewhere in this Code are applicable to the Student Code of

Conduct in its entirety. Terms not expressly defined in the Student Code of

Conduct will be interpreted in accordance with the rule of interpretation as

provided for by Interpretation of Statu tes Act.

“University” means Vaal University of Technology.

“Student” for the purposes of this code, includes all persons applying for admission

or taking courses provided by the University both full-time and part-time.

“Official” includes any person employed by the University performing assigned

administrative and / or professional staff duties.

“Member of the University community” includes any person who is a student, faculty

member, University official, or any other employed by or visiting the University.

“University Premises” includes all land , build ings, facilities and other prop erty in

the possession of and / or owned , used and / or controlled by the University.

“Student organisation” an organisation composed primarily of students which has

been registered or has received recognition accord ing to University policies and

procedures or is affiliated with a University department.

“Judicial body” any person or persons authorised by the Assistant Director Student

Life to determine whether a student has violated the Student Code and to

recommend imposition of sanction.

“Will” is used in the imperative sense.

“May” is used in the permissive sense.

“Trained students” refers to those students selected by the Student Facilitator

Judicial and Training to participate in the jud icial process upon completion of a

group or one-on-one judicial affairs orientation.

“Preponderance of evidence” refers to when considering all the evidence in the case

the proposition on which such party has the burden of proof is more probably true

than not true.

“Bias incident” refers to behaviour and / or action d iscriminating against another

based on race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age,

d isability, or veteran status.

General Prospectus

111

“Hate crime” refers to the bias incident that has risen to a level of a criminal statute,

which includes but not limited to assault, property damage, or other illegal

conduct.

“University-sponsored activity” any activity on or off campus initiated , approved or

supervised by the University.

SCOPE, LIMITATION AND APPLICATION OF THE STUDENT CODE OF

CONDUCT

The Code applies to incidents occurring on campus and others that occur off

campus, incidents that involve students and includ ing those that occur at the

satellite campuses of the University.

Jud icial action against any student committing a violation of the Code off-campus

will be considered on a case-by-case basis upon filing by a complainant of an

allegation of an off-campus violation of the Confidential Complaint Lodgement

Form. The complainant must obtain the form from Protection Services and an

officer / investigator must assist the complainant to fill the form. After review of

the form, the officer at Protection Services will investigate the complaint and write

a report to be submitted to the office of the Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training

who will then make a determination on the appropriateness for a jud icial action to

be initiated .

The adoption of the Student Code of Conduct does not prohibit the University from

adopting or maintaining additional rules to govern the conduct of students.

Allegations of misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct may be combined

with allegations arising under other University rules.

The Student Code of Cond uct applies to ind ividual students and to student

organisations.

Students and student organisations are also subject to the following rules:

Rules adopted by the University to govern the control of vehicles and other

modes of transportation on University property, to and from University

premises;

Rules relating to student classroom conduct, academic d ishonesty, academic

eligibility, performance and evaluation;

Rules governing student housing;

Rules governing the maintenance of public order;

Rules governing the conduct of student athletes;

General Prospectus

112

Rules governing the use of University communication and computing

resources; and

Such other rules as may be adopted by the University in furtherance of the

University and educational goals.

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, acts of academic

d ishonesty, d isruptive student behaviour in the classroom, and appeals to

sanctions imposed in each case, are under the jurisd iction of the Head of

Department, Dean of Faculty and Head Examination Department.

The office of the Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training will determine the

composition of jud icial bodies and conduct appeal committee and also determine

which will be authorized to hear each case. Student composition if any will be

dependent upon availability of trained students as recommended by the office of

the Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training.

The jud icial advisor will develop procedures for the administration of the jud icial

program and procedural ru les for the conduct of hearings, which are not

inconsistent with the provisions of the student code. Decisions made by the jud icial

body and / or judicial advisor shall be final, pending the normal appeal process.

A jud icial body may be designated as arbiter of d isputes within the student

community in case that, do not involve a violation of the Code. All parties must

agree to the arbitration, and to be bound by the decision with no right of appeal.

Student conduct d iscipline records are confidential and will be treated as such by

all parties concerned .

COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES

The University cooperates fully with law enforcement authorities. Violations of the

Code are also violations of the various Acts of Parliament, Provincial legislations

and Municipal bylaws and ord inances, may be referred to the appropriate non

University authority.

The University Protection Services Office work closely with the local law

enforcement authorities, particularly the Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Sebokeng,

Bophelong, Boipatong and Sharpville. The Campus Protection Services Officers

General Prospectus

113

have full powers to arrest search and seizure on all University owned and operated

property, and are usually the first to respond to calls for police services on campus.

STUDENTS RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

With appreciation for the trad ition of freedom of speech and expression on campus

the University fosters tolerance for d iffering viewpoints. It is acknowledged that

points of view will d iverge and that some students will believe it necessary to

express themselves by means of protest. However, the University cannot tolerate

d isruption to its academic mission or means of protest that interferes with the

legitimate rights of others.

General Rights and Freedoms

Students shall have the following rights and freedoms:

As members of the University community all students are guaranteed freedom of

expression, inquiry and assembly, the right to form a student government, organise

groups, to join associations in support of any cause or common interest, and to

peacefully protest, provided that, such activity is conducted in a legal manner, is in

accord with University regulations, and does n ot abridge the rights of others.

Students have the right of fair access to all educational opportunities and benefits

available at the University in an environment that is safe, free of invid ious

harassment, d iscrimination, or intimidation. Students have a right to privacy as it is

entrenched in the Constitution of South Africa Act 108 of 1996.

Students have the right and responsibility to report, in good faith, and without fear

of retaliation, violations of this code, the University Code of Conduct and v iolations

of any other policy of the University, to appropriate academic and administrative

officer of the University.

Procedural Rights and Freedoms

Students accused of violating this code have the following rights

1. To have access to all University policies and procedures regarding the

functioning of the jud iciaries.

2. To be informed of and to have explained as required the charges pending.

3. To be free from intimidation by university charging officers to coerce

admissions.

4. To face his / her accuser(s) and have the opportunity to cross-examine them

and any witnesses.

General Prospectus

114

5. To be free from searches or seizures unless based on reasonable cause. In

accordance with written procedures approved by the Senior Director for

Student Affairs, searches and seizures may be carried out by the officers of

protection services, housing staff, University officers and officials.

6. To a fair and impartial jud icial hearing before an appropriately appointed

jud icial board , appeal board and administrative hearing officer.

Responsibilities

All students share the following responsibilities:

1. To read , become familiar with and adhere to the code, the University‟s Code of

Conduct, the Academic Code of Conduct, the Residences Code of Conduct and

the Student hand -book of the university.

2. To respect the personal and property rights of others and to act in a

responsible manner at all times.

3. To protect and foster the intellectual, academic, cultural, social and other

missions of the University.

4. To observe the laws of Local, Provincial and National government.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT / BEHAVIOR (NON-ACADEMIC OFFENCES)

Self-d iscipline is an essential element of ind ividual learning and development

accord ingly all students are expected to conduct themselves as mature, responsible

citizens of the Republic of South Africa and members of the University community

in accordance with public laws and accepted standard of morality and decency. As

such all students are expected to be:

Courteous to fellow students, faculty staff mem bers and to the public at large.

To be honest in his / her academic work and his / her dealings with others, obey

local, provincial and national government.

The following is an illustrative list of the types of conduct that are prohibited by

this code. It includes not only actual conduct, bu t also attempts to engage in such

conduct. A reasonable suspicion that a student has engaged in such prohibited

conduct, or attempted conduct, w ill result in the immediate consideration of

d isciplinary action under this code.

General Prospectus

115

Safety

1. Causing or creating a fire or any other condition that jeopard ises the safety of

ind ividuals on campus and during off-campus activities,

2. Tempering with safety measures or devices such as alarm systems fire

extinguishers, exit signs emergency phone systems smoke or heat detectors,

fire hoses security systems locked exterior doors and the sprinkler systems.

3. Failing to conform to safety regulations, such as falsely reporting an incident,

failure to evacuate facilities in a timely fashion in emer gency situations or in

response to fire alarms, inappropriate use of the alarm system and similar

conduct.

4. Falsely reporting the presence of a bomb or any other dangerous device or

condition.

Firearms

Possessing, using, storing, transporting firearms, other weapons explosives,

fireworks, ammunition or dangerous chemicals (except authorised for use in class

or in connection with university sponsored research or other approved activities).

Discrimination

Engaging in verbal or physical behaviour d irected at an ind ividual or group that

accord ing to a person of reasonable sensibilities, is likely to create an intimidation

or demeaning environment that impedes the access of other students, faculty and

staff to the educational benefit available from or through the university.

Harassment

Engaging in verbal, electronic, visual, written or physical behaviour d irected at an

ind ividual or group that in the view of a person of reasonable sensibilities is likely

to provoke or otherwise result in negative or injurious response or reaction. This

behaviour may include:

1. making an expressed or implied threat affecting another person‟s academic

pursuits, university employment, or participation in activities sponsored by

the university or organisation or group related to the university, or;

2. engaging in unwarranted retribution or interference with respect to such

pursuit, employment or participation, or;

3. creating an intimidating or demeaning situation or environment or inflicting

psychological or emotional harm or und ue stress.

Sexual harassment

Sexual harassment of the institution shall be application.

General Prospectus

116

Assault

Any wilful attempt or threat to inflict injury upon the person of another, when

coupled with an apparent present ability to do so, and any intentional d ispla y of

force such as would give the victim reason to fear bodily harm constitu tes as

assault. An assault may be committed without actually touching or striking or

doing bodily harm. Self-defence may be a mitigating factor to this charge,

depending on the circumstances.

Indecent Assault

Indecent assault means, the unlawful and intentional assau lt of another with the

intention of committing an indecency. Assault in this matter is not qualified by an

indecent act bu t by the intention of the person committing th e assault to behave

indecently. This form of assault can be committed even though the accused does

not d irect his conduct at the victim‟s private parts. What is important is the accused

intention, expressed by words or conduct, and not the nature of the act.

Battery

An encounter in which physical contact occurs or is threatened between two or

more persons with weapons, blows or other personal violence and that may

include pushing, shoving and other acts of physical abuse. Self-defence may be a

mitigating factor to this charge depending on the circumstances of each case.

Alcoholic Beverages

Violation of the University‟s alcoholic beverages regulations and guidelines,

includ ing:

1. The sale, service, possession and / or consumption of an alcoholic beverage in

academic faculties, includ ing classrooms, stud ios, theatres, aud itoria and / or

laboratories is prohibited .

2. Student organisations may not serve alcoholic beverages at events without the

express approval of the Senior Director Student Affairs regard ing the location

and conditions of possession and consumption. If approved alcoholic

beverages may not be consumed outside of the designated areas for the event.

3. Students serving alcoholic beverages at off-campus events may not identify

these events as university sponsored events.

4. After consuming alcoholic beverages students must assume full responsibility

for their conduct as it relates to the need for good judgment, d iscretion,

moderation, respect for the rights of others and the legal regulations of the

jurisd ictions involved .

General Prospectus

117

Drugs and Controlled Substances

The University has a “zero” tolerance policy on the improper use of controlled

substances that expressly prohibits:

1. The illegal possession, use, d istribution and / or sale of a controlled substance.

2. The illegal possession, use, d istribution and / or sale of drugs paraphernalia.

3. Aid ing or abetting the illegal possession, use, sale and / or d istribution of

controlled substances or d rug paraphernalia.

Hazing

Hazing is defined as conduct that causes or is intended to cause psychological,

emotional or physical harm to any person as a part of initiation into or affiliation

with any campus-based organisation.

Forgery, Fraud, Dishonesty and Uttering

Altering or misusing official University forms, documents, records, stored data or

instrument of identification, electronic files or knowingly furnishing false

information to the university officers, officials, faculty and / or employees or

provid ing such information involving or referring to the university to off-campus

organisations, institutions or ind ividuals and making false statements in public or

private, includ ing, knowingly making false charges under the code. Further,

students may not use the seal, logo(s), motto, trademarks or other intellectual

property of the University without written permission from the University Council.

Damage to Property

When a student knowingly damages the property of another or of the University

without his / her / its consent by defacing, deforming, or otherwise damaging the

property by the use of paint or any other similar substance, by the use of writing

instruments, etching tools or similar devices, through means of fire or explosives,

or through the use of any other instrumentality of any kind and mixture.

Unauthorized removal, destruction or damage of University property, or the

property of another student, or the property under University custody or control.

Theft

Possession of stolen items from a member (s) of the University community, or the

sale of stolen items from any source whatsoever.

Stealing property and / or services, knowingly possessing or transporting stolen

property, or improperly converting the property of another for personal use.

General Prospectus

118

Unauthorized Entry, Use or Trespassing

Entering or using university facilities or property, or property in the custody or

control of the University, for an improper purpose or without proper au thorisation

or assisting others to do so.

Incitement

Prohibition of incitement to commit a crime is punishable in terms of section 18(2)

of the Riotous Assemblies Act 17 of 1956 which reads as follows:

Any person who… incites, instigates, commands or procures any other person to

commit any offence, whether at common law or against a statute or statu tory

regulations, shall be gu ilty of an offence and liable on conviction to the punishment

to which a person convicted of actually committing that offence would be liable.

Corruption

This offence is punishable in terms of the Corruption Act 94 of 1992 section 1(1).

Prohibition on offer or acceptance of benefit for commission of act in relation to

certain powers or duties. Any person –

1. who corruptly gives or offer or agrees to give benefit of whatever nature which

is not legally due, to any person upon whom –

any power has been conferred or who has been changed with any duty by

virtue of any employment or the hold ing of any office or relationship of

agency or any law or to anyone else, with the intention to influence the

person upon whom such power has been conferred or who has been

charged with such duty to commit or omit to do any act in relation to such

power or duty; or

any power has been conferred or who has been charged with any duty by

virtue of any employment or hold ing of any office or any relationship of

agency or any law and who committed or omitted to do any act

constituting any excess of such power or any neglect of such duty, with

the intention to reward the person upon whom such power has been

conferred or who has been charged with such duty because he / she so

acted ; or

upon whom any power has been conferred or who has been charged with

any duty by virtue of any employment or the hold ing of any post or any

relationship of agency or any law and who corruptly receives or obtains or

agrees to receive or attempts to obtain any benefit of whatever nature

which is not legally due, from any person, either for himself or herself or

for anyone else, with the intention –

General Prospectus

119

i. that he / she should commit or omit to do any act in relation to such

power or duty, whether the giver or offeror of the benefit has the

intention to influence the person upon whom such power has been

conferred or who has been charged with such duty, so to act or not; or

ii. to be rewarded for having committed or omitted to do any act

constituting any excess of such power or any neglect of such duty,

whether the giver or offeror of the benefit has the intention to reward

the person upon whom such power has been conferred or who has

been charged with such duty so to act or not, shall be guilty of an

offence.

Extortion

When a person unlawfully and intentionally obtains some advantage, which may

be of either a patrimonial or non-patrimonial nature, from another by subjecting

the latter to pressure which induces him/ her to hand over the advantage.

Murder

The unlawful and intentional causing of death of another human being.

Culpable Homicide

The unlawful and negligent causing of the death of another human being.

Rape

A person having unlawful and intentional sexual intercourse with a person without

her consent.

Criminal Defamation

Unlawful and intentional publication of matter concerning another which tends to

injure his / her reputation.

Robbery

Theft of a property by unlawfully and intentionally using violence or threats of

violence to take the property or to ind uce submission to its taking.

PROHIBITED CONDUCT / BEHAVIOR (ACADEMIC OFFENCES)

The integrity of University academic life and of degrees and d iplomas the

University confers is dependent upon the honesty and soundness of the teacher -

student learning relationship and , as well, that of the evaluation process. Conduct

General Prospectus

120

by any member of the University community that ad versely affects this relationship

or this process must, therefore, be considered a serious offence.

Plagiarism

a. No student shall, w ith intent to d eceive, represent the work of another person

as his / her own in any academic writing, essay, thesis, research report, project

or assignment submitted in a course or program of study or represent as his /

her own an entire essay or work of another, whether the material so

represented constitutes a part or the entirety of the work submitted .

b. Upon demonstration that the student has represented and submitted another

person‟s work as his / her own, it shall be presumed that the student intended

to deceive; the student shall bear the burden of rebutting this presumption by

evidence satisfying the person or body hearing the case that no such intent

existed .

c. No student shall contribute any work to another student with the knowledge

that the latter may submit the work in part or whole as his / her own. Receipt

of payment for work contribu ted shall be cause for presumption by evidence

satisfying the person or body hearing the case that no such intent existed .

Cheating

No student shall:

a. In the course of an examination obtain or attempt to obtain information from

another student or unauthorised source or give or attempt to give information

to another student or possess, use or attempt to use any unauthorised material.

b. Represent or attempt to represent oneself as another or have or attempt to have

oneself represented by another in the taking of an examination, preparation of

or paper or other similar activity.

c. Submit in any course or program of study, without both the knowledge and

approval of the person to whom it is submitted , all or a substantial portion of

any academic writing, essay, thesis, research report, project or assignment for

which cred it has previously been obtained or which has been or is being

submitted in another course or program of study in the University or

elsewhere.

d . Submit in any course or program of study any academic writing, essay, thesis,

research report, project or assignment containing a statement of fact known by

students to be false or a reference to a source which reference or sour ce has

been fabricated .

General Prospectus

121

Confidential material

It shall be an offence knowingly to procure, d istribute, or receive any confidential

academic material such as pending examinations or laboratory results from any

source without prior and express consent of the instructor.

Misrepresentation of facts

It shall be an offence to knowingly misrepresent material facts to another for the

purpose of gaining admission to the University or obtaining academic advantage or

cred it.

Disruption of teaching activities

No student shall, by action, threat or otherwise, knowingly cause a d isturbance

which obstructs teaching and / or research activities.

DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS

The purpose of the d isciplinary sanctions for violations of the Code is to educate

about responsible behaviour as members of the University community, to maintain

order and to protect the rights of others.

Students found guilty of violating the Code will be notified of any sanction by the

d isciplinary chairperson. There is no set sanction for any particular offence with the

exception of automatic expulsion for any felony conviction. Sanctions will be

determined ind ividually and will be considered with the severity of the offence.

Every case will be evaluated on its own merits.

Sanctions will be classified in schedule 1 and schedule 2 for minor and sever

offences. All sanctions will be issued in writing. Sanctions in the schedule 1 will be

placed in the student‟s confidential d iscipline file as an official part of a students‟

educational record for five years beyond the student‟s departure from the

University and will become part of the student‟s permanent d iscipline record . Acts

of academic d ishonesty will be made part of the permanent d iscipline record as

determined by the Registrar, Dean of Faculty and Head of Examination Office.

General Prospectus

122

General Terms

Parents of minor or dependent students who receive a d isciplinary sanction shall be

notified of that action by the University.

The University reserves the right to apply any sanction for a violation of the Code

that, in its sole d iscretion, appropriately address the gravity and frequency of the

offence. Prior offences are cumulative, and any student found guilty of the same

offence or second offence of equal or greater magnitude, may be suspended or

expelled from the University. Evidence of prior violations of the Code, however,

may be considered after a determination of guilt has been made as part of the

process of determining sanctions.

Sanctions are imposed under the Code without regard to student classification,

prospective graduation date, the time in the semester or term when the violation

occurs, scholarship status or any other factor.

Students who have not completely fulfilled their sanctions may be allowed to

participate in general mandatory registration for the subsequent semester if all

other financial and academic conditions have been met. However, their registration

will be cancelled if they fail to comply with all the stipulations of the sanctions

within the time limit set.

Types of Disciplinary Sanctions

One of the following sanctions may be imposed for any violation of the Code. The

failure to perform a sanction, as d irected , can lead to the imposition of a severe

sanctions, includ ing suspension and / or expulsion.

Minor Sanctions

Disciplinary warning or Reprimand

A d isciplinary warning or reprimand is an official written statement of

censure. It is used when a student‟s behaviour is unacceptable but is

considered to be minor and / or unintended . It includes a warning that any

other violation of the University Code for which the student is found guilty

will result in more severe d isciplinary action. The written statement shall be

delivered to the student and also kept in the student‟s record for a period of six

(6) months.

General Prospectus

123

Letter of Apology to the Aggrieved Party

A student may be required to write a letter of apology to the aggrieved party.

A draft copy of the letter must be submitted to the SFJT for prior approval.

This is a d iscretionary sanction.

Requirement to seek counselling

This sanction may be imposed when a student was found guilty of engaging in

d isruptive or uncivil behaviour, in such cases the student shall be required to

provide evidence to SFJT of attendance of counselling by a qualified profession

in the Student Counselling department at the university. This is a d iscretionary

sanction.

Research assignment

A student may be required to complete a research assignment on a topic

related to the Code violation within a specified period of time and to make

other students aware of the ser iousness of the violation. This is a d iscretionary

sanction.

Restitution

Restitution is reimbursement to compensate for the personal injury, property

damage or misrepresentation of university or other personal property. It may

be in the form of money or services. This is a d iscretionary sanction.

Mandatory University or community service

A student may be required to perform work assignment at the University or in

the local community. This is a d iscretionary sanction.

Severe Sanctions

Disciplinary probation

A d isciplinary probation may be imposed for a specified period of time. A

student who is under d isciplinary probation will not be permitted to

participate in intramural, intercollegiate, sports, student clubs or organisations.

Such student may not represent the University in any public function,

competition or performance, hold office in a student organisation or be eligible

to join a fraternity or sorority. Students receiving scholarships for any activities

enumerated above may have that scholarship su spended or terminated .

Decisions regard ing scholarships will be made by the office of the Senior

Director Student Support Services in consultation with the Assistant d irector

Student life and Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training and DVC Academic

will make the final decision.

Withdrawal from class

Decisions regard ing withdrawal from class will be made by the office of the

Senior Director Student Support Services in consultation with the Assistant

General Prospectus

124

director Student life and Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training and DVC

Academic will make the final decision.

Limited access to University property

Administrative restriction to various parts of the University campus, includ ing

but not limited to research, communication and computing resources for a

specified period of time or until certain conditions are met. Decisions

regard ing limited access to University property will be made by the office of

the Senior Director Student Support Services in consultation with the Assistant

d irector Student life and Studen t Facilitator Jud icial and Training and DVC

Academic will make the final decision.

Fines

For possession and use of drug paraphernalia from R50-R500.00 to be u tilized

for the awareness campaign of such drugs use.

Limited term suspension

Suspension is appropriate in cases of serious misconduct or in cases when a

student has violated a condition of d isciplinary probation, or has failed to meet

the stipulations of lesser sanctions. A student may be suspended from the

University for the remainder of the semester in which the sanction is applied ,

or any portion thereof, for the next semester or for any other additional periods

determined appropriate by the university.

Suspensions are recorded on the students‟ permanent record (official

transcripts). Students suspended from the university are required to return

their student identification cards room keys and other university property and

shall be barred from the campus for the duration of their suspension.

Exceptions may be granted to this prohibition by the SFJT if it first determines

that the barred student must enter university property for the purpose of

conducting official business. If the student returns to the campus without

permission during the period of suspension, his / her eligibility to be re

admitted to the university is jeopard ised and such persons may also be

charged with unlawful entry and thereby made subject to arrest.

Indefinite suspension

Provides for all the conditions described in Limited Term Suspension but does

not give a specific date for the consideration of readmission of the suspended

student. This sanction is used in cases of extremely serious misconduct when

evidence of rehabilitation must be presented by the student to the Office of the

Senior Director Student Support Service and forwarded to the office of the

Registrar before the student is readmitted .

University expulsion

Expulsion is the most severe sanction that the University may impose.

Expulsion is permanent d ismissal or separation of the student from the

General Prospectus

125

University. In addition the student is not eligible for readmission to the

University and is permanently barred from the university owned or operated

property and from all University-sponsored events. Expulsions are recorded

on the student‟s permanent record (official transcript). Stud ents expelled from

the University are required to return any identification cards, room keys and

other university property and must leave campus immediately upon

notification of being expelled . An expelled student may not return to the

campus and is permanently barred from the university owned and operated

build ings or property and from all University-sponsored events. If an expelled

student returns to the campus, he / she will be charged with unlawful entry

and may be arrested . An expelled student‟s relationship with the University is

severed permanently.

Determining which sanction to impose

Mitigating and aggravating factors may be considered. Factors to be considered in

mitigation or aggravation may include the individual‟s prior d isciplinary recor d,

the nature of the offence, the severity of any damage, injury or harm resulting from

the violation, the payment of restitution to the university or to any victims, or any

other factors deemed appropriate under the circumstances, includ ing but not

limited to the ind ividual‟s participation in an approved counselling program.

Repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct may result in the imposition of

progressively more severe sanctions, although any sanction may be imposed as

appropriate under the circumstances.

Procedure for readmission after judicial suspension

A student temporarily suspended will be considered for readmission only after

filing a request for readmission after jud icial suspension form with the office of the

Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training and Senior Director Student Support

Services and it shall be forwarded to the office of the Registrar for a final decision.

The Registrar shall inform University officials, includ ing the appropriate Academic

and Administrative Heads.

Hearing Rights and Procedures

Initiating a Complaint

A student will become involved with the jud icial system as a result of alleged

violations of the community standards of the University. Such violations will be

documented and a report submitted by the Protection Services official responsible

for the investigation of the matter. While most violations occur on the campus

(University premises), the student population, living in the surrounding

General Prospectus

126

community off-campus, also falls within the jurisd iction of the University jud icial

system.

Anyone who has a ground for initiating a complaint regard ing any University

student may do so by filling in a form at the offices of Protection Services the

following information:

The name of the accused ;

A clear statement explain ing the nature and circumstances of the complaint;

and

The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of those filing the complaint.

A student who has had a complaint lodged against him / her will be called by the

Student Facilitator: Jud icial and Training to d iscuss the compliant. At the meeting,

the case may be held , d ropped , ad jud icated or referred to an appropriate

Committee as provided for by the Code.

The d isciplinary officer concerned who may be assisted by an advisor shall, at the

outset of the hearing, and in the presence of the student and the student

representative, apprise the hearing committee of the facts and allegations of the

case, shall present the relevant documentary evidence and relevant practices and

present the names of the witnesses to be called . The student or the student‟s

advisor may make a summary statement in response.

All questions of procedure and evidence that may arise during the hearing,

includ ing any challenge to procedures antedating the hearing, shall be resolved by

the Chair after consulting with the Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training.

The Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training is neutral between the parties. His /

her role is to advise as to the fair conduct of proceedings, but the Student Facilitator

Jud icial and Training shall not participate in the decisions.

A ruling that a procedure in the code has been followed shall not result in

annulment of the proceedings if in the judgment of the hearing the error d id not

cause prejud ice to the student or any prejud ice that d id result can be remedied

without causing undue delay in the proceedings.

Witnesses shall be called by the Chair of the hearing and heard one at a time. Any

member of the Committee, voting or non-voting, may suggest that a witness be

General Prospectus

127

called or re-called , includ ing a witness not named in the list of witnesses. The

student and the student advisor shall be allowed an opportunity to call w itnesses.

In the case of academic offences, the instructor in the course in which the offence

took place may be present throughout the hearing, may be called as a witness and

may consult with the d isciplinary officer throughout the hearing.

All parties who are present throughout the hearing must observe the same rule of

confidentiality as the members of the committee.

All witnesses shall give their testimony and evidence in the presence of the accused

student, the complainant, their advisors, members of the committee and the Chair.

Any of the aforementioned persons may put questions to the witnesses. However,

the Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training may not ask questions of the parties or

speak during the d isposition of the case except with permission of the Chair. The

accused student, complainant and their advisors shall have access to any

documents considered by the hearing committee as evidence in the case.

The accused student and complainant shall be given an opportunity to give

evidence on their behalf, should anyone of them decide to give evidence, they will

be subject to questions from the hearing committee and advisors. No inference may

be drawn against the accused student for refusing to give evidence, except to the

extent that allegation against the accused student, because of his / her refusal,

stands uncontrad icted .

The rules of evidence applicable in civil and criminal court proceedings shall not

apply to the hearing so long as the evidence has been obtained in good faith and by

reasonable means. Evidence which is not relevant, or is only remotely relevant,

shall be excluded . All questions of the admissibility of evidence shall be resolved

by the Chair after consulting with the Student Facilitator Jud icial and Training.

General Prospectus

128

13.7 Library Services Regulations

POLICY: CIRCULATION

Different category users and loan periods are set out in the Innopac Loan Rules.

Before an item is issued to a user, he / she must produce the University ID to

enable the library assistants to check membership on the system.

Students must return items out on loan before the University closes at the end of

the year. Arrangements can be made for post-graduate students and researchers

who want to use sources over the holidays.

Library users may telephonically renew library materials issued to them.

Reminders are sent regularly to students and lecturers. It is important to fo llow-up

reminders on materials that have been overdue for long periods.

Action against library users that d id not return borrowed library material are

addressed in the Innopac Loan Rules document.

POLICY: LIBRARY MATERIAL LOST BY CLIENTS

1. PREAMBLE

As no items are issued in the library without the client‟s student / staff card ,

the person in whose name the item(s) were issued will be held responsible for

all items issued to them without exception. Students are warned during

orientation to report stolen cards immediately, so ignorance of this stipulation

cannot be accepted as an excuse. Staff at issuing points must ensure that the

person using the card is indeed the owner of the card .

General Prospectus

129

2. POLICY AND PROCEDURES

i. Client reports lost item(s) to the main issue desk.

ii. Library assistant blocks client on the library system as well as on the ITS

system.

iii. User must replace the lost item(s) in order to have his record unblocked /

cleared .

iv. Staff from the issue counter will receive a quotation from th e staff in the

Acquisitions Section calculated as follows:

a. The replacement cost of the item + overdue fines + R100 processing

fee per item;

b. If any accompanying material such as a CD or a stiffy has been lost,

the full price of the new main item (usually a book) is charged

(calculated as (a) above) because the accompanying material cannot

be purchased separately;

c. If the item is ou t of print, a flat rate of R550 is applicable + overdue

fines;

d . The user may be given the option by the HoD: User Services to

replace the lost item by purchasing a replacement copy of the exact

item and paying the overdue fine + R100 processing fee. Second -

hand books will only be accepted if in pristine condition; and

e. If the item lost can be replaced by a similar item covering the same

subject matter without compromising the standard of the collection in

any way, the HoD: User Services may come to an agreement with the

client whereby the similar item is bought and given to the library.

The processing fee is still applicable, as the item has to be processed

before becoming part of the library collection.

v. The client is given the quote and details of the cost code into which the

payment must be made (3004-2043) and must pay in the full amount at the

Finance Department.

vi. The receipt must be produced to the staff at the issue counter, who will

make a copy of the receipt and return the original to the client.

vii. The client must be unblocked / cleared on the Innopac and ITS systems.

The copy of the receipt must be hand ed to the Acquisitions Department.

The status of the item is changed on Innopac to “Lost & Paid”, the item

record is suppressed (and the bibliographic record if there is only one item

record attached), and the title must be written off in the Acquisitions

Register.

General Prospectus

130

viii. The subject librarian concerned must be informed about the payment to

decide whether the item should be reordered, or whether another item

should be purchased in its place. The replacement item must cover the

same subject field as the lost item.

POLICY: INTER-LIBRARY LOANS SERVICES

Inter-library loan services shall be rendered in adherence to the guidelines laid

down by the State Library, as contained in the Inter -lending Manual for Southern

African Libraries, with the exception of those aspects specified in the GAELIC

preliminary policy document.

There is, therefore, a formal agreement among tertiary institutions to render a free

inter-lending service to Masters and Doctoral students, academic personnel and

researchers from GAELIC libraries.

Costs that are excluded from the agreement include the following:

Telefax cost

Courier service

Regular photocopies

The requesting library must pay inter -lending tariffs as determined by the State

Library for the above.

GAELIC libraries undertake to respond to any inter-lending request within 48

hours i.e. 2 working days.

Any other inter-lending request to or from institutions other than the GAELIC

libraries, is subject to the tariff structure laid down by the State Library.

User of ILL

All registered BTech, Masters and Doctoral students, academic personnel and

researchers at Vanderbijlpark and its Satellite campuses, may place unlimited

requests.

Permission for an international inter -lending request must be granted by the

promoter of the post-graduate student or by the head of department of an academic

member of staff. Although the cost is usually carried by the library, departments

may be approached to help in case of d ire need .

General Prospectus

131

No inter-lending requests are done for junior / d iploma students.

Any material not available in the library, must be ordered or requested on inter -

library loans.

All inter-library loans material must be collected and returned personally to the ILL

office.

A form must be completed before and after receiving ILL material.

Renewals may be requested from supplying library if material is not overdue.

Fines should be imposed on overdue materials.

Faulty equipment should be reported immediately to HoD: Systems.

If borrowed material is lost or defaced , the user will be resp onsible for the total

costs to be determined by the supplying library.

POLICY: ACCESS TO SERIALS COLLECTION

1. Loose issues of period icals will not be issued to any library clients and may not

leave the library.

2. Tables of contents of all serial issues received will be scanned , and d istributed

to all interested staff members or the TOC alerts sent automatically from

SwetsWise will be d isseminated via e-mail. Some of the SwetsWise TOC alerts

have links to the full-text articles, which clients can print from their PC.

3. On request, library staff will make a photocopy of the article for the client (only

staff members, researchers and post-graduate students). The cost of the copies

will be calculated at the current rate per page, and the faculty will be invoiced

at the end of each term.

4. Bound volumes of journals will be loaned to certain categories of clients,

depending on the relevant loan rules.

General Prospectus

132

5. To facilitate access to relevant articles, subject librarians index articles which

relate to the curriculum. Bibliographic databases can also provide citations

and these are available either by requesting a literature search from the subject

librarian via the Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) in the electronic

classroom in the library or via the VUT Intranet.

General Prospectus

133

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

134

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

135

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

136

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

137

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

138

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

139

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

General Prospectus

140

Notes: -

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Documents

Vaal University of Technology General Prospectus · Although the information contained in this General Prospectus has been compiled as accurately as possible, ... satellite campuses